Tropical Cyclone Ragasa began to pull away from Hong Kong on Wednesday, prompting the Hong Kong Observatory to lower its alert to Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 8:20 p.m. local time, replacing the more severe No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal issued earlier at 1:20 p.m. The downgrade signaled a reprieve for the city, which faced fierce winds and heavy rain as the storm swept through, leaving behind a wave of disruption.
As the cyclone moved out, the city tallied the toll of its passage. The Home Affairs Department reported that 50 temporary shelters were opened across various districts, providing refuge for 905 residents displaced or affected by the storm. Emergency services were inundated with reports of damage. The government’s 1823 Call Centre logged 718 reports of storm-related incidents, while the Fire Services Department recorded 498 cases of fallen trees. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department noted eight additional tree-related incidents, and the Drainage Services Department confirmed 22 flooding cases. The Civil Engineering and Development Department also reported four landslides, underscoring the storm’s widespread impact on the city’s infrastructure.
The human cost was significant but not catastrophic. According to the Hospital Authority, 101 people—59 males and 42 females—sought treatment at public hospital Accident and Emergency departments for injuries sustained during the typhoon. No fatalities were reported as of 8 p.m., but the injuries reflect the storm’s intensity and the hazards it posed to residents navigating its effects.
As Hong Kong begins recovery efforts, authorities are urging caution, with potential lingering risks from damaged infrastructure and debris. The Hong Kong Observatory continues to monitor the cyclone’s trajectory, warning that while the worst has passed, residual winds and rain could still pose challenges in the coming hours.
source: Hong Kong Department Information Services Department
