Hong Kong is steadily returning to normalcy as flights, businesses, transportation, and schools reopen following the devastating passage of Super Typhoon Ragasa. The storm, which brought the city to a standstill, has prompted a massive recovery effort, with authorities working to clear debris and restore essential services.
A City Brought to a Halt
Super Typhoon Ragasa, described as the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone of 2025, made its presence felt across the region, leaving a significant impact on Hong Kong. The typhoon’s fierce winds and torrential rains caused widespread disruption, forcing the suspension of critical services. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the highest wind warning, Hurricane Signal No. 10, for an extended period, highlighting the severity of the threat. This highest alert signal, which is rarely issued, signifies conditions comparable to a severe hurricane and leads to the closure of most public transport, businesses, and government offices. The typhoon’s impact was so profound that it brought the bustling metropolis to a complete standstill, disrupting air travel, road and rail networks, and daily commerce.
Widespread Damage and Disruption
The aftermath of Super Typhoon Ragasa revealed extensive damage across Hong Kong. Over 1,000 trees were uprooted, littering streets and blocking thoroughfares, a testament to the storm’s ferocious winds. Approximately 85 cases of flooding were reported, with seawater surging through coastal areas, submerging roads, and inundating properties. The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel in Aberdeen witnessed waves crashing through its lobby doors, flooding the area, though fortunately, no injuries were reported. The storm also caused significant damage to infrastructure, with collapsed roads and damaged pedestrian bridges reported. In addition to the physical damage, over 100 people sustained injuries in Hong Kong due to the typhoon.
A Deadly Prelude and Wider Impact
Before reaching Hong Kong, Typhoon Ragasa carved a devastating path through the northern Philippines and Taiwan. In the Philippines, the typhoon claimed at least 10 lives, including seven fishermen who were lost at sea. Taiwan also bore a heavy toll, with a burst barrier lake in Hualien County leading to at least 14 fatalities and numerous missing persons. The storm’s destructive force extended to southern China, where millions were evacuated in Guangdong province, and major cities like Yangjiang were directly impacted. The combined death toll across the affected regions underscores the catastrophic nature of this weather event.
The Road to Recovery
In the wake of the storm, Hong Kong’s resilience and preparedness came to the forefront. The Hong Kong International Airport, which had been suspended for 36 hours, resumed flight operations on Thursday. This critical step signaled the city’s return to normalcy, with businesses, transportation services, and many schools also reopening. The Airport Authority announced that all three runways would be operational, anticipating handling over 1,000 flights to clear the backlog.
Government departments have been working tirelessly to clear debris, repair collapsed roads, and restore power and communication lines. The Highways Department, Fire Services Department, and other agencies mobilized significant resources for the clean-up. Public transport, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, gradually reopened, though speed limits were reduced on some routes due to lingering strong winds. The Steering Committee on Extreme Weather, led by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, played a crucial role in assessing the damage and coordinating the phased return to regular activities, prioritizing public safety.
A Record-Breaking Storm
Super Typhoon Ragasa made meteorological history by becoming the first typhoon on record to trigger Hong Kong’s highest No. 10 Hurricane Signal without passing within 100 kilometers of the city. The signal, hoisted for over 10 hours, was the second-longest duration since 1945. This event highlighted how storm intensity and the size of its wind field, not just proximity, are critical factors in determining impacts. Experts suggest this phenomenon, coupled with rising global temperatures, signals a trend towards larger, more powerful typhoons. The fact that Hong Kong experienced two No. 10 signals in a single year, the second time since World War II, further emphasizes the unusual nature of the 2025 typhoon season.
Looking Ahead
As Hong Kong recovers, the focus remains on rebuilding and reinforcing its preparedness for future extreme weather events. The city’s swift response and coordinated recovery efforts demonstrate its capacity to navigate and overcome significant natural challenges. While the immediate disruption has passed, the lessons learned from Super Typhoon Ragasa will undoubtedly shape Hong Kong’s approach to disaster management and climate resilience in the years to come. The news of the city’s reopening offers a beacon of hope, underscoring the enduring spirit of its people in the face of adversity.
