Has Guangdong Province Prepared Adequately for Typhoon Ragasa?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Guangdong Province has raised its wind emergency response to the highest level.
- Typhoon Ragasa is expected to land within 24 hours.
- Winds may reach speeds of up to 60 meters per second.
- Local authorities are suspending classes and public transport.
- Safety measures are being enforced across affected regions.
Beijing, Sep 23 (NationPress) The Guangdong Province in South China has escalated its wind emergency response to the utmost level at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, as Typhoon Ragasa is anticipated to hit the central or western coastal regions of the province as a powerful or extremely strong typhoon within the next 24 hours.
Having entered the South China Sea late Monday, Typhoon Ragasa is predicted to travel northwest at approximately 20 km per hour. It is expected to reach coastal areas stretching from Zhuhai City to Xuwen County on Wednesday, with winds ranging from 40 to 55 meters per second, according to the provincial meteorological observatory.
This typhoon is likely to unleash rainstorms and fierce winds, with certain areas bracing for severe precipitation, while those directly in the storm's path could face gusts soaring up to 60 meters per second, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The provincial flood, drought, and wind control headquarters have called upon all localities and departments to adhere to the highest standards, strictest requirements, and most robust measures, mandating major affected regions to halt classes, work, production, public transportation, and business activities. Cities including Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Jiangmen have already initiated these suspensions.
Several highway sections and bridges in Zhuhai have been closed, and the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has ceased outbound passenger clearance, with the main bridge also being closed.
In the adjacent Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, all passenger and ferry vessels in the coastal waters have been suspended.
Maritime authorities in Beihai City have restricted the Beihai-Weizhou Island passenger ship route to disembarkation only, barring new boarding, with plans to evacuate the remaining 6,000 tourists from Weizhou Island to Beihai scheduled for completion on Tuesday.
The storm is also projected to affect the island province of Hainan, with the provincial capital Haikou poised to suspend classes, ferry services, park operations, work, and business activities starting later on Tuesday or Wednesday. All train services to and from the island will be cancelled on Wednesday.
China operates a four-tier emergency response system, with 'Level I' denoting the most severe response.