China’s Global Industrial Hub Shuts Down Ahead of Super Typhoon Ragasa's Landfall

China's Guangdong province, a cornerstone of global manufacturing and home to tech giants, initiated mass evacuations of more than 371,000 residents on Tuesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa barrelled toward its coast, poised to deliver the most intense storm in years. The province escalated its emergency response to the highest level, bracing for landfall along central or western coastal zones late Tuesday or early Wednesday. With winds already exceeding 200 km/h, Ragasa threatens widespread disruption in an area generating over 10% of China's GDP and exporting electronics worth billions annually.

Authorities in over 10 cities, including the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, ordered closures of markets, schools, factories, and all transport networks, urging residents to shelter in place with ample supplies. Shenzhen, bordering Hong Kong and a hub for companies like Huawei and Foxconn, saw its Bao'an International Airport suspend 210 outbound and 319 inbound flights by midday, per flight data app DAST.

Guangzhou halted all flights until Wednesday evening, while Zhuhai cancelled 21 services. Public transit, including buses, taxis, and subways, ceased operations by evening, and major highways were shut down. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a 55 km engineering marvel linking key economic zones, has been closed since Monday.

Guangdong's government mobilised extensive resources, deploying helicopters, drones, 23 ships, and 38,000 firefighters on standby. The central administration dispatched aid, including over 60,000 tents, beds, lighting equipment, and family emergency kits, as reported by state media Xinhua.

In Shenzhen, proactive measures included taping shop windows, securing outdoor fixtures, and trimming more than 18,000 trees to mitigate flying debris risks. At the Ping An Finance Centre, one of the world's tallest buildings at 599 metres, workers implemented stability protocols designed to withstand winds up to 288 km/h—proven during 2018's Super Typhoon Mangkhut, which caused minimal structural damage despite 250 km/h gusts.

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Ragasa's approach revives memories of past devastations in the Pearl River Delta, where typhoons have historically inflicted billions in damages through flooding and supply chain halts. As the storm intensifies, experts will monitor the Ping An tower's resilience, a symbol of China's skyscraper boom.

With global markets watching, the shutdown could ripple through electronics and automotive sectors, though rapid evacuations and infrastructure upgrades signal improved preparedness since Mangkhut. Recovery efforts will likely prioritise restoring ports and factories, underscoring Guangdong's critical role in international trade amid climate-driven extreme weather.

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