By Diana George

Copyright timesnownews

Super typhoon Ragasa – the year’s first major super typhoon – is wreaking havoc across southern China, the Philippines, and Taiwan, forcing massive evacuations, shutting schools and businesses, and disrupting flights and transport. Tens of millions of people are affected as Ragasa barrels across the South China Sea with gusts exceeding 230 kph (140 mph), prompting authorities to trigger the highest emergency alerts and implement sweeping safety measures. Below Are Top 10 Developments: Massive Evacuations in Shenzhen: Shenzhen authorities ordered the evacuation of 400,000 residents, particularly from low-lying and flood-prone areas. The city’s emergency management warned of “severe wind, rain, waves and floods”, urging citizens: “Except for emergency rescue personnel and those ensuring people’s livelihood, please do not go out casually.” China Orders Shutdowns Across 10 Cities: At least 10 cities in southern China have shut schools and businesses as Ragasa approached Guangdong. The measures affect tens of millions of people and thousands of factories across the region’s manufacturing heartland. Flight and Transport Disruptions in China: Shenzhen’s airport announced it would suspend operations starting Tuesday night. Other cities including Zhuhai, Dongguan, and Foshan implemented suspension measures, halting daily transport and market activities. Guangdong Triggers Highest Windstorm Alert: Guangdong province activated its highest emergency response for windstorms, as Ragasa brought gusts of up to 230 kilometres (140 miles) per hour, the Hong Kong weather service reported. China Issues Safety Warnings: The Guangdong emergency bureau advised: “Key areas should decisively adopt measures… fully ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property, and minimising disaster losses to the greatest extent.” Foshan authorities added: “The strong winds and heavy rainfall… will severely impact our city, posing a critical defence situation.” Philippines Evacuations and Closures: Locally known as Nando, Ragasa hit Panuitan island off Cagayan province with sustained winds of 215 kph (134 mph) and gusts up to 295 kph (183 mph). Thousands were evacuated, over 8,200 residents in Cagayan and 1,220 in Apayao moved to emergency shelters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr suspended government work and classes in Manila and 29 northern provinces. Flights, Ferries, and Power Disruptions in Philippines: Domestic flights and inter-island ferries were suspended due to rough seas. Power outages affected Calayan island and much of Apayao province. Taiwan Prepares for Ragasa: Southern Taitung and Pingtung counties closed schools and offices in coastal and mountainous areas, along with Orchid and Green islands. Ferry services were suspended, and afternoon flights canceled. Authorities warned residents to take precautions against potential flooding and landslides. Typhoon Churns South China Sea: Ragasa is currently moving across the South China Sea and is expected to remain there at least until Wednesday, passing south of Taiwan and Hong Kong before making landfall on the Chinese mainland. Vessels operating in the northern South China Sea, the southern Taiwan Strait, and nearshore waters of Guangdong “should pay attention to safety”, CCTV reported. Climate Change Amplifies Storms: Scientists note that human-driven climate change is making storms stronger and more frequent as global temperatures rise, intensifying the impact of events like Ragasa on millions of people in Asia.