Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones of the year, left a trail of devastation across the region. After battering the Philippines, where it was known as Super Typhoon Nando, and claiming five lives, it struck China’s Taiwan, resulting in at least 15 fatalities while 33 people were listed as missing. We are deeply sorry for the tragic losses.
When Typhoon Ragasa slammed into Hong Kong, it triggered the hoisting of the city’s highest-level warning signal, No 10, for over 10 hours, with wind speeds reaching 195 kilometers per hour. The typhoon brought Hong Kong to a standstill, causing widespread disruption and felling more than 900 trees.
Yet, remarkably, Hong Kong recorded minimal casualties, clearly a positive reflection of the city’s preparedness. Just one day after the storm passed, the city resumed regular operations, with residents returning to work, business and public transport running as normal, and schools experiencing minimal disruption. When nothing untoward happens under such extreme weather, it’s easy to take the government’s admirable performance for granted.
This resilience has drawn global attention to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s exceptional efficiency in disaster management.
The success story is no accident. It’s the result of meticulous preparation, coordinated execution, and diligent repetition until it is second nature, showcasing a new standard of good governance. The Steering Committee on Handling Extreme Weather, led by Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, orchestrated cross-departmental preparations well in advance of the typhoon’s arrival.
This proactive approach involved citywide efforts. The Drainage Services Department preemptively inspected and cleaned approximately 240 flood-prone spots. The Buildings Department checked out construction sites and street signage to mitigate risks. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department secured public facilities and alerted street hawkers.
This heightened level of vigilance and hands-on leadership from department heads signals a new era of accountability and effective governance. It reflects the renewed emphasis on performance and responsibility underscored by the chief executive’s recent Policy Address
Emergency services, including the Fire Services Department, Auxiliary Medical Service, and Civil Aid Service, put thousands of personnel on standby. The MTR Corp mobilized over 3,500 staff member to maintain crucial services. Throughout the storm, 49 temporary shelters were opened across the city, sheltering over 700 individuals.
The efficiency continued into the recovery phase. As the typhoon eased, government teams worked through the night to clear debris, repair roads, and restore community facilities, enabling the city’s swift return to normalcy. The concerted efforts of Care Teams and district councilors in all 18 districts, who mobilized the community from warning to cleanup, were also instrumental.
This performance stands in stark contrast to the impact of similar storms elsewhere, such as Hurricane Florence in the United States in 2018, which caused over 40 deaths. Hong Kong’s system, previously praised by the World Meteorological Organization, has once again proved to be a global model.
The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents praising the government’s advance planning. The community spirit was also evident, with residents spontaneously pitching in to help with cleanup efforts.
This heightened level of vigilance and hands-on leadership from department heads signals a new era of accountability and effective governance. It reflects the renewed emphasis on performance and responsibility underscored by the chief executive’s recent Policy Address.
Ragasa also supplied some valuable lessons. The smooth operation of Hong Kong’s stock exchange during the storm underscores the city’s resilience as an international financial center. Consideration should be given to how other financial and economic activities can do likewise, such as the gold and silver exchange. To further minimize disruption, universities and schools could consider implementing e-learning solutions during severe weather.
The storm did cause damage, notably to a waterfront hotel in Aberdeen and a restaurant in Tseung Kwan O. While some suggest building higher coastal walls, a more robust solution might be to build additional typhoon shelters, similar to the one in Causeway Bay. This would not only buffer the coastline from freak waves but also create space for luxury yachts and water recreation activities, aligning with the government policy goal of promoting marine tourism.
A concerning incident during the typhoon involved a family who were swept into the sea while watching the waves in Chai Wan. The incident, which could have had a tragic outcome, highlights the need for stricter safety measures. Granting police the authority to declare coastal areas as prohibited zones during typhoons could deter such life-endangering behavior.
The author is an honorary fellow of HKU Space and Hong Kong Metropolitan University and a council member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
