• Source:JND
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As Super Typhoon Ragasa pounded Hong Kong with strong gusts and high waves on Wednesday morning, a man enraged the public for disregarding safety advisories and venturing into the storm surge at Tseung Kwan O Promenade.

Filmed and uploaded online in viral videos, the man in swim trunks, was caught making his way through flooded streets, taking a seat on a bench, and nonchalantly gazing at waves that loomed overhead.  The person was spotted dangerously close to the water’s edge as knee-high waves, propelled by Super Typhoon Ragasa, crashed over the sea wall.

This highly risky behaviour took place while the No. 10 Hurricane Signal was in effect. The incident comes a day after a serious accident in Chai Wan, where a mother and her young son were swept into the sea and had to be hospitalized

Ragasa, the most powerful storm this year, has prompted unprecedented evacuations in China and widespread destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines. With sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts reaching up to 230 km/h, Ragasa continues to roll relentlessly towards China's shoreline, with no signs of weakening. 

Before it reached China, Ragasa hit the Philippines. The typhoon triggered widespread flooding and landslides that killed three people or more. The Philippine weather agency PAGASA reported that the typhoon could maintain its current strength for another 24 hours before slowly weakening.

China authorities have already evacuated around two million people ahead of Ragasa's landfall. China's coast guard department gave a "red" wave warning, highest on offer, to Guangdong province, anticipating storm surges as much as 2.8 meters (9 feet) high. The Pearl River Delta, one of China's most densely populated regions, is gearing up for the typhoon's impact.

Hong Kong airline companies moved the majority of their fleets away from the city to prevent damage. About 80 percent of aircraft belonging to the territory's four biggest carriers were shifted to Japan, China, Cambodia, Europe, and Australia, Flightradar24 stated. Private planes were also rerouted to safer places. Hundreds of flights were canceled, and passengers were stranded at airports. Cathay Pacific had to cancel over 500 flights alone, and Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines also had planes diverted.

ALSO READ: Super Typhoon Ragasa Unleashes Chaos In Taiwan, China; Hotels Flooded, Bridges Collapse | WATCH

Taiwan Flood Fears Continue

In Taiwan's eastern coast, flooding fears remain high in Guangfu town, which was destroyed previously when a barrier lake burst. The authorities have released much water but the rains continue.

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People do not wish to return. "We won't turn back until the spillover is finished or the risk of breaking is reduced. It's too dangerous," Tsai said, seeking shelter in an elementary school. The flood has already destroyed a major bridge, leaving cars and scooters strewn across roads. Some 5,200 residents, 60 percent of town's population, had evacuated to upper levels, and others were taking refuge with relatives. Troops are distributing supplies door-to-door, and rescuers are continuing to comb the scene.

Hong Kong Storm Warning Raised

The Hong Kong Observatory raised its storm warning from No. 8 to No. 10, its top level, as hurricane-force winds and massive waves battered the city. People were told to remain indoors and away from windows. Ngong Ping plateau had maximum gusts of 206 km/h, while other places experienced wind speeds up to 189 km/h.

The Ragasa eye has moved past Hong Kong, and conditions are getting better, though flight disruptions will continue until Thursday morning.

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