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Key Points

Super Typhoon Ragasa passed dangerously close to Macao, prompting the hoisting of the highest-level typhoon signal. The storm brought hurricane-force winds and a significant storm surge, leading to severe flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities cut power in affected zones as a safety precaution while hundreds of residents sought shelter in evacuation centers. The typhoon had already caused fatalities and missing persons in the Philippines before impacting Macao.

Key Points: Super Typhoon Ragasa Hits Macao Triggering Top Alert

  • Macao hoisted its No. 10 typhoon signal as Ragasa passed within 100 km
  • Hurricane-force winds and storm surge caused severe flooding in low-lying areas
  • Power was cut in flooded zones for public safety, affecting hundreds of residents
  • The typhoon caused at least three fatalities in the northern Philippines earlier
2 min read

Super typhoon Ragasa batters Macao, triggers top alert

Super Typhoon Ragasa triggers Macao's highest typhoon signal, causing hurricane-force winds, severe flooding, and power cuts. Hundreds evacuate as storm claims lives in Philippines.

"The wind in Macao has reached hurricane-level force 12 and will sustain in the next few hours - Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau"

Macao, Sep 24

Super typhoon Ragasa passed within 100 km of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Wednesday morning, causing gale and heavy rain, said Macao's meteorological bureau, which hoisted the No. 10 tropical cyclone signal at 5:30 a.m. local time.

The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau noted that the wind in Macao has reached hurricane-level force 12 and will sustain in the next few hours, and therefore, the top-level typhoon signal will be in effect for a period of time.

Storm surge brought rapidly rising water levels in low-lying areas, causing seawater to flood inland. The bureau forecast maximum flooding of 1.5 to 2.5 metres around noon.

According to information from the Civil Protection Operations Centre, Macao's power utility Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM) has implemented power suspensions in flood-affected areas to ensure public safety and protect power supply facilities. The centre also noted that when the water recedes, power restoration will be arranged as soon as possible, Xinhua news agency reported.

The SAR's Social Welfare Bureau reported that as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, a total of 642 people have taken shelter at evacuation centres.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had reported an additional two deaths and six missing in connection with super typhoon Ragasa that battered northern Philippines on Monday, bringing the typhoon death toll to three.

The PCG had said a fishing boat carrying 13 fisherfolk sank off the coast of Sta. Ana town in Cagayan province, resulting in the death of one person and six missing, with six others rescued.

It had added that the boat capsized due to strong waves while it was anchored and taking shelter.

The PCG also had reported that coast guard men found the body of a 67-year-old male on the shoreline of Agoo town in La Union. The victim reportedly went missing after slipping into a river on Monday.

Local authorities had reported that a 74-year-old man died after his vehicle was hit by a landslide, along with three cars, while travelling along a highway in Tuba town in Benguet province on Monday afternoon.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad to hear about the casualties in Philippines. The fishing boat tragedy shows how vulnerable coastal communities are during such storms. Proper early warning systems are crucial.
S
Sarah B
The power suspension in flood areas is a smart safety move. Here in Mumbai during monsoons, we've seen how electrical accidents can compound disaster situations. Better safe than sorry!
A
Arjun K
While the article covers the immediate impact well, I wish there was more about long-term preparedness. Coastal cities need better infrastructure to handle such extreme weather events which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
V
Vikram M
The evacuation of 642 people shows good disaster management. In India, we've improved our cyclone response significantly since the 1999 Odisha super cyclone. Hope Macao authorities have similar robust systems.
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Michael C
Heartbreaking to read about the elderly victims. The 74-year-old man killed by landslide and the 67-year-old who slipped into river - reminds us how vulnerable senior citizens are during natural disasters. 🙏

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