Super typhoon Ragasa batters Macao, triggers top alert

MACAO -- Super typhoon Ragasa passed within 100 km of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Wednesday morning, causing gale and heavy rain, said Macao's meteorological bureau, which hoisted the No 10 tropical cyclone signal at 5:30 am local time.

The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau noted that the wind in Macao has reached hurricane-level force 12 and will sustain in the next few hours, and therefore, the top-level typhoon signal will be in effect for a period of time.

Storm surge brought rapidly rising water levels in low-lying areas, causing seawater to flood inland. The bureau forecast maximum flooding of 1.5 to 2.5 meters around noon.

According to information from the Civil Protection Operations Center, Macao's power utility Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM) has implemented power suspensions in flood-affected areas to ensure public safety and protect power supply facilities. The center also noted that when the water recedes, power restoration will be arranged as soon as possible.

The SAR's Social Welfare Bureau reported that as of 11 am Wednesday, a total of 642 people have taken shelter at evacuation centers.