The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) hoisted Typhoon Signal No. 10 at 5:30 am today as Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful storm of the year, slammed into Macau’s vicinity, battering the city and the surrounding areas.
In addition, the current red storm surge warning remains in effect, with flooding in some of Macau’s low-lying areas expected to reach the highest level – about 1.5-2.5 metres – between 10 am and 2 pm, according to the weather bureau.
At 7 am, Ragasa was estimated to be about 120km south-southeast of Macau and forecast to keep moving west-northwest at around 20km/h, steadily approaching the western coast of the Pearl River Estuary.
As of 8 am, the Civil Protection Operations Centre has recorded a total of 23 incidents throughout the Macau SAR, including three cases of “buildings/lamp posts/trees that are on the verge of collapse or have collapsed”, 19 cases of “concrete, signboards, windows, canopies or other objects falling or swinging, as well as one case of “scaffolding, scales or other construction facilities falling or swinging.
Meanwhile, the number of users in the SAR’s emergency shelters until 8 am today were 579, while the number of user in the emergency shelters during the opening hours were 633.
The public is urged to not go outside during Typhoon Signal No. 10 and the red storm surge warning, and instead stay in safe indoor places, away from doors and windows exposed to the wind, and remain vigilant throughout the adverse weather.
For more information about the current weather development visit SMG’s website. – GNM
Image: Engin Akyurt
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