Hong Kong Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa as City Locks Down

Hong Kong is currently under a lockdown as it prepares for the imminent arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, described as the strongest storm of the year. Public transport has come to a standstill, and residents have been urged to remain indoors as the storm approaches, impacting both daily life and safety across the region.

The storm has already caused devastating effects in the northern Philippines, leading to at least one confirmed death due to a landslide. As Super Typhoon Ragasa moves closer to China, authorities in Hong Kong have implemented measures to mitigate the storm’s impact, including the closure of schools and workplaces. The worst conditions are expected to hit the city during the early hours of Wednesday morning local time.

Residents have reacted to the severe weather warnings with panic buying, according to Cruzanne Macalligan, a resident who relocated from New Zealand in 2012. She observed that local markets were bustling with people stocking up on essential supplies. “Huge crowds of people on the street, in and out of wet markets, grabbing all the vegetables, all the fruits,” Macalligan reported. “Shelves are completely empty, and bakeries have run out of goods.”

Preparations for the storm have included residents reinforcing their homes. Macalligan noted that many are using tape on windows and metal mesh to secure belongings. “There’s a sense of worry about things flying away,” she added.

The local government has issued clear advisories urging residents to stay indoors. Macalligan explained that typically, during severe weather alerts such as a T8 signal—a high warning level—some individuals still venture out. This time, however, the directives are more stringent, emphasizing the need for everyone to remain sheltered.

As a result of the approaching typhoon, Hong Kong International Airport announced its closure effective from the evening of March 14, 2023. The public transportation system has also halted operations, marking a significant shift in the city’s response to the storm. “Usually, you might see a bus or a train running, but this time they’ve really said no,” Macalligan noted. “There’s a strong message to stay in place and avoid unnecessary risks.”

Despite the anxiety surrounding the storm, Macalligan expressed confidence in the city’s preparedness. “People have been talking about it for days; we have a really good early warning system. It’s not a surprise, but the unpredictability is always concerning,” she stated.

As Hong Kong faces this natural challenge, the resilience of its residents will be tested once again. The community’s response reflects both a spirit of caution and an understanding of the risks posed by severe weather. As the city locks down, many are left to navigate the challenges of confinement with families, facing the potential for cabin fever while they await the storm’s passage.