Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th storm of the 2025 Pacific season, is barreling toward the Chinese mainland with forecasts predicting landfall in Guangdong province's coastal areas on Wednesday. Classified as a strong to super-strong typhoon, it brings risks of torrential rainfall, destructive winds exceeding 150 km/h, and life-threatening secondary disasters.
Meteorologists warn of potential flooding in low-lying regions, landslides in mountainous zones, and widespread urban waterlogging. Authorities have urged residents to secure property, avoid nonessential travel, and heed evacuation orders in high-risk areas. Critical infrastructure, including power grids and transportation networks, faces significant disruption risks.
Guangdong's emergency management department has activated Level II flood-control protocols, deploying over 12,000 responders to reinforce dams and drainage systems. Neighboring provinces, including Guangxi and Hainan, remain on high alert as the storm's outer bands may trigger heavy rains through Friday.
This typhoon follows an unusually active monsoon season across Southeast Asia, with climate scientists noting warmer sea surface temperatures as a potential intensifying factor. Regional airlines have canceled 230+ flights, while shipping companies reroute vessels away from the Taiwan Strait.
