The global manufacturing centre of Guangdong in southern China has come to a halt as people brace for the most powerful typhoon to hit the region in recent years.
On Tuesday morning, the province upgraded its typhoon alert to Level 1, the highest in a four-tier warning system, as officials declared “combat-ready” status in preparation for Super Typhoon Ragasa .
More than 10 cities, including the technology hub Shenzhen , have announced the closure of all markets, schools, factories and transport systems, advising people to stay indoors and stockpile food and water.
At least 10 cities in China have been ordered to shut down schools and businesses as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches. Photo: AFP
More than 371,000 people have been evacuated across the province while helicopters and drones, 23 ships and 38,000 firefighters remain on standby, the Guangdong government said. The central government has also sent evacuation and disaster aid, including more than 60,000 tents, beds, lights and family kits.
Shenzhen’s airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge closed on Monday. According to the Chinese flight data app DAST, by noon on Tuesday, Shenzhen Baoan International Airport cancelled 210 departing and 319 incoming flights. All buses, taxis and subways were planning to halt services by Tuesday evening, and highways would be closed.
Provincial capital Guangzhou has cancelled all flights until Wednesday evening, and coastal Zhuhai cancelled 21 flights on Tuesday.
Southern China braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
Southern China braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
Residents have been hoarding food, water and even portable phone batteries since Monday. Many online grocery shops in Shenzhen announced on Tuesday morning that they were short of delivery workers and were running out of several items, including bread.
