China has ordered widespread closures of schools, businesses, and factories across at least 10 cities as Super Typhoon Ragasa barrels toward the southern coast. The storm, packing gusts of up to 230 kilometers per hour, is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province within 24 hours, according to local emergency authorities.
The province, home to some of China’s most vital manufacturing hubs, has activated its highest emergency response for windstorms. Shenzhen, a major technology hub, has evacuated 400,000 residents and suspended commercial activities, warning of “severe wind, rain, waves and floods.” Similar measures are underway in Zhuhai, Dongguan, and Foshan.
Authorities urged residents to remain indoors except for emergency needs, stressing the priority of safeguarding lives and minimizing disaster losses. The storm’s impact is expected to ripple across regional supply chains, with thousands of factories halting operations.
Ragasa has already caused casualties in the Philippines, where at least one person was reported dead. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has also issued maritime warnings, urging vessels across the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and nearshore Guangdong waters to take precautionary measures.
Scientists warn that climate change is fueling stronger and more frequent storms globally, underscoring the growing vulnerability of coastal regions like Guangdong.
