Hong Kong authorities suspended all classes for two days and shuttered social services as Super Typhoon Ragasa barreled toward the city, prompting a full-scale mobilization of emergency teams to combat potential flooding and storm surges.
The Education Bureau announced Monday that kindergartens, childcare centers, primary and secondary schools, special schools and evening schools would close Tuesday and Wednesday. The move aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid forecasts of severe weather.
During the suspension, schools will not process hard-copy applications for primary one discretionary places. Officials extended the deadline for paper submissions to Sept. 30 to accommodate the disruption.
The Social Welfare Department urged residents not to bring children or relatives to its day care centers and service units on Tuesday, with all such facilities set to close. The department emphasized the risks posed by the storm, advising families to make alternative arrangements.
Public hospitals will maintain normal accident and emergency services throughout the typhoon, the Hospital Authority said. However, outpatient clinics will halt operations once the No. 8 typhoon signal or higher is hoisted, and all non-emergency services will be suspended Wednesday.
In preparation for possible evacuations, District Offices will open temporary shelters at 8 a.m. Tuesday, with flexibility to activate them earlier if conditions worsen. Officials have already coordinated with various departments to bolster flood defenses, including deploying sandbags and barriers in vulnerable areas.
The government’s steering committee on extreme weather is ramping up efforts to mitigate an anticipated significant storm surge, which could exacerbate flooding in low-lying regions.
A 24-hour emergency hotline is operational for public inquiries, providing real-time updates and assistance.
The Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre activated more than a day ahead of schedule, underscoring the typhoon’s intensity. Firefighters, police, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service are on full standby for rescue operations.
Authorities are evaluating whether to mobilize civil servants for post-storm cleanup under a government-wide mechanism. The Civil Service Bureau has alerted all 77 bureaus and departments to remain vigilant and prepared to dispatch emergency teams at a moment’s notice.
Ragasa, packing powerful winds and heavy rainfall, is expected to make its closest approach to Hong Kong on Tuesday, potentially triggering the city’s highest typhoon warnings. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and stay indoors during the storm’s peak.
