Philippines
PAGASA warned of possible torrential rainfall and strong winds to be brought by Ragasa, along with the potential impact of the southwest monsoon. [21] It also warned of storm surges of up to 3 m (9.8 ft) affecting the coasts of Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. [22]
On 20 September at 17:00 PHT, PAGASA began issuing Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the entire provinces of Abra, Apayao, the Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Cagayan, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Quirino, northeastern Nueva Vizcaya, and the northern and central portions of both Aurora and Catanduanes. The signal was also raised over northern Ilocos Sur, as the storm continued to approach Luzon. [23] Later that day, at 23:00 PHT, the agency extended Signal No. 1 to include Benguet, the entire provinces of Ilocos Sur and Nueva Vizcaya, La Union, eastern Pangasinan, and northern Nueva Ecija. [24]
The following day, 21 September, at 05:00 PHT (21:00 UTC), PAGASA upgraded the warning to Signal No. 2 for the entire provinces of Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, as well as eastern portions of Apayao and Kalinga, and northeastern Isabela. At the same time, Signal No. 1 was raised over the entire provinces of Aurora and Pangasinan, northern and central Nueva Ecija and Tarlac, northern Zambales, and the remaining areas previously under Signal No. 2. [25] By 11:00 PHT (03:00 UTC), PAGASA raised Signal No. 2 over the entire province of Apayao, northern Ilocos Norte, and northern and eastern Isabela. [26] PAGASA further escalated the alert by issuing Signal No. 3 for the whole province of Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan. Signal No. 2 was raised over the entire provinces of Abra, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, northern Ilocos Sur, eastern Mountain Province, and the rest of Cagayan. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 was issued for the entire provinces of La Union, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Tarlac, the northern portions of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Quezon, as well as the Polillo Islands. [27]
At 23:00 PHT, Signal No. 3 was hoisted in the northern and central portions of Apayao and Cagayan, and northern Ilocos Norte. Wind Signal No. 2 was raised in the central portions of Isabela and Mountain Province and eastern Ifugao, while Signal No. 1 was raised in the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Zambales. [28] For the first time in the season, at 08:00 PHT (00:00 UTC), PAGASA raised Wind Signal No. 5, the highest category, over the northern and central portions of the Babuyan Islands, while Signal No. 4 was raised over the northeastern and northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan, northernmost Ilocos Norte, southeastern Batanes, and the rest of the Babuyan Islands. [29] At 11:00 PHT (03:00 UTC), Signal No. 5 was extended to include the entirety of the Babuyan Islands. [30]
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council hoisted alerts for possible flooding in several barangays of the National Capital Region that will be brought by the typhoon, specifically in Muntinlupa, Taguig, Manila, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela. [31] The Office of Civil Defense also responded, ramping up emergency operations during the typhoon's rapid intensification throughout the Philippine Sea. They convened an emergency meeting in Quezon City on the afternoon of 20 September, to ensure preparations and safety measures for the combined effects of the typhoon, the southwest monsoon, and a low-pressure area - which was formerly the Tropical Storm Mitag (Mirasol). At least 111 families, or about 380 individuals, were evacuated from different parts of the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. The Department of Interior and Local Government released their advisories about evacuation for the typhoon and a no-sailing policy, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued warnings for miners in the mining industry. [32] The Ambuklao, Binga and Magat Dams opened their gates as precaution. [33]
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also conducted preparations for the impact of the typhoon. PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez stated that he directed local police units to inform personnel, vehicles, and communication assets for possible disaster evacuations in high-risk areas. Police officers also prepared for worst-case scenarios, especially the local government units, for evacuation and rescuing operations. [34]
Many areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila and also including the Visayan province of Antique declared class suspensions in all levels and government work on 22 September, due to the possible impacts from Ragasa and the enhanced southwest monsoon. [35] Thirty-two schools were converted into evacuation centres. [36]
Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) began their warnings as soon as 17 September of the possible impact of Ragasa at the strength of super typhoon near the Pearl River estuary [ zh ] in the following week, along with the associated storm surge during spring tide under new moon, [42] [43] when the storm was still more than 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 km) from the territory, before it passed through the Balintang Channel, and prior to its naming by the JMA. The warnings were repeated on 18 and 19 September and also reported in the press. [44] [45] [46] [47] The HKO warned that the storm would approach on 24 September within 100 kilometres (54 nmi) south of the territory as a super typhoon, with winds reaching up to 175 kilometres per hour (94 kts), and that the territory would anticipate gale-force winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and a significant storm surge, swells, accompanied by rough seas and large waves. [48] [49] [50] A special weather tip was issued at 16:30 HKT on 19 September when the typhoon signal for Tropical Storm Mitag was still in effect and this was the first time since Typhoon Mangkhut of 2018 that warnings were issued before a storm made its passage through the Strait of Luzon. [51] On 22 September, the HKO issued the Standby Signal No.1 at 12:20 HKT (02:20 UTC). [52] Due to the circulations, increasing movement speed of the typhoon, the observatory issued the Strong Wind Signal No.3 at 21:40 HKT (13:40 UTC) that day. [53] The day after the HKO will issue the Gale or Storm Signal No.8 at 14:20 HKT (06:20 UTC). [54]
On 22 September, the HKO noted about gale- to storm-force winds to prevail on 24 September, and winds that may reach hurricane-force offshore and high grounds. As preparation for the super typhoon, Chief Secretary Eric Chan conducted a meeting for the steering committee on handling extreme weather on 21 September, to review and coordinate the territory's contingency measures. Some of these preparations include preventive measures to deal with flooding, landslides, and its upcoming impact, in order to ensure safety to buildings, especially in high grounds. The Drainage Service Department (DSD) conducted up to 200 response teams, to handle flooding and drainage projects in different districts, including robots who will standby on monitoring higher-risk areas of flooding. Additional sandbags that have double of the usual amount, were provided in higher-risk areas of flooding, which include Tai O, Lei Yue Mun, Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po Market, Kar Wo Lei, low-lying areas in Yuen Long, To Tau Wan, Nam Wai, and Heung Chung. The DSD and the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) have been working very closely with departments to raise appropriate measures, in order to cope with the potential threat brought by the typhoon that are caused by storm surges. [55]
Cathay Pacific said it would cancel 500 departing flights from Hong Kong beginning at 18:00 HKT on 23 September, while Hong Kong Airlines said it would stop all departures from the territory. [56]
Macau
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau [α] (SMG) had warned of storm surge, heavy rains and thunderstorms due to Ragasa in the following week at 17:40 MST on 19 September. [57] On the following day the SMG warned that water level resulted from the storm surge might be comparable to Hato of 2017 or Mangkhut of 2018. [58] On 21 September the government appealed all residents to take necessary measures such as storing food and potable water. [59] On 22 September, the SMG issued the Signal No.1 at 15:30 MST (07:30 UTC). [60] The next day, the SMG issued Signal No.3 at 05:00 MST (21:00 UTC),it will also issue the Signal No.8 at 17:00 MST (09:00 UTC). [61]
On 22 September, the SMG informed those living in tall buildings to prepare for severe impact that will be caused by the typhoon force winds. Earlier on 21 September, police officials urged residents to bring non-perishable food and drinks, and fully-charged power banks, torches, medicines, and first-aid kits during the events of power outage and water cut-off. They also advised residents, especially on low-lying areas, to check all household furniture and appliances without any delay. Residents are also told to prepare go-bags in case of quick evacuation, for identity cards, and other important necessities. [62]
