Super Typhoon Ragasa continues its powerful advance across East Asia, with new satellite imagery showing the storm heading toward southern China after unleashing destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines. Officials are warning of severe storm surges, widespread travel chaos, and imminent landfall.

 

Current Path and Forecast

 

According to regional weather trackers, Ragasa is moving west-north-west through the northern South China Sea after hammering northern Luzon in the Philippines and eastern Taiwan. Meteorological agencies, including the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), describe the cyclone as compact yet extremely intense, with a distinct eye and sustained winds of dangerous strength. Forecast maps suggest it is on track to strike Guangdong province and the Pearl River Delta, raising alarms in coastal communities.

 

Travel Disruptions Mounting

 

Air travel has been hit hard. Over 700 flights across East Asia have been cancelled. Major carriers affected include Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Hong Kong Airlines, and several international airlines.

 

Cathay Pacific: Scrapped more than 500 flights in and out of Hong Kong since September 23. Limited services may resume gradually by Thursday.

 

HK Express: Around 100 flights cancelled during the same period.

 

Emirates: Suspended flights between Dubai and Hong Kong/Shenzhen from Sept 23–25.

 

Other Airlines: British Airways, Delta, Qantas, Air India, JAL, Gulf Air, Bangkok Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and KLM have also cancelled or delayed flights linked to Hong Kong and nearby hubs.

 

 

Hong Kong International Airport has suspended nearly all passenger flights from the evening of September 23 until at least 6:00 am on September 25 — effectively a 36-hour shutdown. Limited cargo operations may continue if weather conditions allow.

 

Landfall Timing and Areas at Risk

 

Forecasts indicate Ragasa is expected to make landfall on China’s southern coastline sometime between midday and late Wednesday. The most vulnerable zones include Guangdong province — particularly between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang, as well as the western Pearl River Delta. Experts warn that Ragasa could retain its extreme wind speeds right up until it reaches the mainland. Hong Kong is likely to experience a close brush with the storm’s core, coming within 100 km of the city.

 

Evacuations Underway

 

Authorities in China have already evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents. Official reports cite more than 371,000 relocated in Guangdong, while some news outlets put the number at over 770,000 — with certain estimates reaching up to 1.9 million people across the province.

 

In the Philippines, tens of thousands were forced to leave their homes as Ragasa tore through northern islands, with disaster agencies reporting widespread displacement and damage. Taiwan also reported at least 14 fatalities, while the Philippines confirmed at least two deaths.

 

Where to Track the Storm

 

For live tracking and updates, consult:

 

Official agencies: China Meteorological Administration, Hong Kong Observatory, Taiwan CWB, and PAGASA.

 

International trackers: Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).