Hong Kong: As Super Typhoon Ragasa barrels toward the southern coast of China, the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong and Macau has issued an urgent advisory for Indian nationals residing or traveling in the region.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Ragasa is expected to make its closest approach to the Pearl River Estuary on September 24, bringing with it gale to hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough seas, and storm surges of up to 4 meters. Typhoon Signal No. 8 is set to be raised at 2:20 p.m. today, with a likelihood of stronger warnings being issued later.
Authorities have warned of rapid deterioration in weather conditions, including thunderstorms and flooding risks. The typhoon is also expected to severely disrupt air traffic, and travelers have been asked to stay updated with airline advisories.
In response, the Indian Consulate has announced it will remain closed from the afternoon of September 23 through September 24, and will resume operations two hours after the T8 signal is lifted. Appointments for Consular, Passport, and Visa services scheduled on these dates will be rescheduled, with affected applicants to be notified via email.
Indian nationals in Hong Kong and Macau SARs are strongly advised to stay indoors, monitor official weather updates, and follow instructions from local authorities. The consulate has emphasized the importance of avoiding non-essential travel in and out of the region until conditions improve.
For urgent assistance, the 24/7 hotline number of the Indian Consulate is +852 9077 1083.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
Hong Kong Government:
- Police/Ambulance/Fire: 999
- Emergency Coordination Centre (Home Affairs): 2835 1473
Macau Government:
- Public Security Police Force: (853) 999 / 110 / 112
- Emergency Ambulance (Fire Services Bureau): (853) 2857 2222 / 119 / 120
As Typhoon Ragasa advances, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
