Hong Kong is steadily returning to normal after Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful tropical cyclone of 2025, battered the financial hub, bringing it to a near standstill for nearly two days. Flights have resumed, businesses have reopened their doors, and public transportation services are being gradually restored, signaling the city’s resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
The Fury of Typhoon Ragasa
Super Typhoon Ragasa, an exceptionally powerful storm, formed over the Western Pacific on September 17, 2025, rapidly intensifying into a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon with sustained winds reaching up to 270 km/h (165 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 905 hPa. Dubbed the “king of storms” by mainland Chinese authorities, Ragasa carved a destructive path through the region, making its presence felt from the Philippines and Taiwan to Hong Kong and southern China.
Devastation Across Borders
Before reaching Hong Kong, Ragasa unleashed its destructive power across other nations. In the Philippines, the storm caused extensive flooding and power outages, resulting in at least 10 fatalities, including seven fishermen whose boat capsized off the coast of Cagayan province.
Taiwan faced particularly severe consequences. Heavy rainfall triggered the overflow of the Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake in Hualien County, sending torrents of water into Guangfu Township. This catastrophic event led to widespread flooding, inundation of streets nearly one story high, the washing away of a bridge, and the loss of numerous vehicles. Authorities in Taiwan revised their death toll from the typhoon to 14, with 33 people reported missing as search efforts continued.
Hong Kong Under Siege
As Ragasa skirted approximately 100 kilometers south of Hong Kong, it brought ferocious winds and torrential rain to the densely populated city. The Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest wind warning, Hurricane Signal No. 10, for nearly 11 hours, the second-longest duration on record, signaling extreme danger.
The storm’s impact was immediate and widespread. Over 1,200 trees were toppled across the territory, roads were blocked by debris, and numerous flooding incidents occurred, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas, exacerbated by storm surges. Waves as high as 2-3 meters were observed, with some crashing over promenades and inundating waterfront properties. The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, situated on the southern coast, experienced its lobby being flooded as seawater surged through its glass doors.
While the immediate death toll within Hong Kong was thankfully zero, more than 100 people sustained injuries due to the storm’s onslaught, with many requiring hospital treatment. The city recorded one landslide and extensive damage, including parts of pedestrian bridge roofs being blown away and objects scattered by the powerful gusts.
Widespread Disruption and the Highest Warning
Ragasa brought Hong Kong to a complete standstill, leading to widespread disruptions that lasted for almost two days. The Hong Kong International Airport suspended operations, cancelling over 1,000 flights and affecting approximately 140,000 passengers over a 36-hour period. Public transport services, including railways and franchised buses, were halted, and many businesses, schools, and public offices closed their doors as the city braced for the full impact of the storm.
The Dawn of Recovery
As Typhoon Ragasa began to move away from Hong Kong on Thursday, September 25, 2025, authorities swiftly initiated comprehensive recovery efforts. The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded its warning signals throughout the day, culminating in the cancellation of all tropical cyclone warnings by late morning, signaling the diminishing threat.
Resuming Operations
By Thursday morning, Hong Kong International Airport began gradually resuming flight operations, with all three runways operating to clear the significant backlog of flights and passengers. Businesses and transportation services followed suit, reopening their doors and routes to the public. Kindergartens and some schools also reopened, although morning lessons remained suspended for some, allowing for a phased return to normalcy.
Government Mobilization and Cleanup
Various government departments worked around the clock to restore order. Emergency crews were mobilized to clear over 1,200 fallen trees from major roads and public transport routes, repair damaged infrastructure, and address the extensive flooding incidents. The Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Coordination Centre operated continuously to monitor and assess traffic conditions, guiding the gradual resumption of services.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, led the steering committee on handling extreme weather, overseeing the coordinated recovery efforts of departments such as the Fire Services Department, Highways Department, and Drainage Services Department. Their priority was to expedite the clearing of obstacles and ensure public safety.
Looking Ahead
While Hong Kong picks up the pieces after Typhoon Ragasa, the event serves as a stark reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the importance of robust disaster preparedness. The city’s swift response and efficient recovery efforts highlight its resilience, though the cleanup and assessment of losses are expected to continue. The news of Hong Kong’s reopening provides a crucial update on the city’s return to normalcy after one of the most powerful typhoons to impact the region in recent memory.
Southern China Braces and Recovers
Beyond Hong Kong, Super Typhoon Ragasa also made landfall on the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, an economic powerhouse home to over 125 million people. Ahead of the storm’s arrival, Chinese authorities implemented extensive precautionary measures, including the evacuation of nearly 2 million people and the suspension of schools, businesses, and transit services in over a dozen cities. The national weather agency described Ragasa as the “king of storms,” forecasting its landfall with sustained winds of up to 200 km/h. Ferry routes were suspended, and rail transport across Guangdong was halted. Despite the widespread evacuations and preparations, reports indicate no casualties in neighboring Guangdong province, although significant disruptions occurred.
