By Michelle Ndaga
Life began returning to normal in Hong Kong on Thursday after Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms in recent history, battered the city with hurricane-force winds, flash floods, and severe coastal damage.
Authorities lowered the storm warning to Signal 3, allowing businesses, government offices, and transport services to reopen.
The Airport Authority confirmed that all three runways are operational, with flights gradually resuming after more than 1,000 cancellations during the 36-hour shutdown.
Public transport services also restarted, although schools particularly kindergartens remained closed due to residual strong winds and rain.
The storm, which forced the city into a rare standstill under the maximum Signal 10 warning, left more than 100 people injured and uprooted over 1,000 trees.
Waves crashed into waterfront areas, flooding streets, damaging vehicles, and sending seawater surging into buildings, including hotel lobbies. Emergency crews have since been deployed to clear debris, restore roads, and repair essential infrastructure.
Ragasa, described by meteorologists as the world’s strongest cyclone of 2025 so far, first tore through the northern Philippines and Taiwan before hitting southern China’s Guangdong province.
In Taiwan, authorities reported at least 14 deaths linked to the storm, while Chinese officials confirmed mass evacuations in coastal provinces.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee praised the city’s preparedness and resilience, noting that the coordinated response between government agencies and the public had helped prevent greater loss of life.
As Ragasa weakens and tracks west toward Vietnam, regional authorities remain on high alert, bracing for further heavy rains and flooding in vulnerable areas.
