dw.com
Super Typhoon Ragasa Pummels Hong Kong, Leaving a Trail of Destruction
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most intense tropical cyclone of 2025, battered Hong Kong on September 24th, causing widespread flooding, toppled trees, and suspending transport after claiming at least 17 lives in Taiwan and the Philippines.
- What were the immediate impacts of Super Typhoon Ragasa on Hong Kong?
- The typhoon caused significant flooding in several districts, toppled numerous trees, and led to the suspension of commercial activities, public transport, and essential services. Hong Kong's Observatory raised the typhoon signal to level 10, its highest level. At least 56 people were injured.
- What are the broader implications of Super Typhoon Ragasa and Hong Kong's response?
- The typhoon highlights the increasing intensity of tropical cyclones and the challenges of managing extreme weather events in densely populated areas. Hong Kong's decision to keep the stock exchange open during the typhoon raises questions about risk management and potential vulnerabilities during extreme weather conditions. The severe flooding points to potential infrastructural weaknesses requiring further investigation.
- How did Hong Kong's response to Super Typhoon Ragasa compare to previous weather events?
- Unlike the relatively uneventful passage of Tropical Storm Tapah earlier in September, Ragasa prompted the activation of maximum weather alerts and widespread evacuations. 791 people sought refuge in 49 temporary shelters. However, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange remained open, following a 2024 policy of not suspending trading due to weather.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a relatively balanced account of the super typhoon Ragasa's impact on Hong Kong and surrounding areas. The focus is primarily on the effects of the typhoon, including casualties, infrastructure damage, and the government's response. While the headline could be considered slightly sensationalist, the body of the text maintains a relatively neutral tone.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive, avoiding overly emotional or charged terms. Words like "azotaron" (lashed), "embravecidos" (raging), and "extremas" (extreme) convey the severity of the situation but do not introduce significant bias. However, the phrase "mares embravecidos" could be considered slightly more emotive than purely descriptive alternatives like "high seas".
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview of the typhoon's impact in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, it could benefit from including information on the long-term economic and social consequences. The article mentions the stock market remaining open, but omits discussion of the potential longer-term economic impacts of the typhoon and also the broader regional impact on areas outside the ones specified.
Sustainable Development Goals
The super typhoon Ragasa caused significant damage in Hong Kong and Macao, including flooding, power outages, and the suspension of public transport and essential services. This demonstrates the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events and the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of urban populations. The event highlights the challenges in building resilient cities capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.