Metro to close at 6 pm, expats hotline opens

Shenzhen will suspend all metro services earlier than usual today and has activated emergency response measures as Typhoon Ragasa nears the coast, bringing risks of destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding.

Workers trim and reinforce trees across Shenzhen as part of a citywide safety inspection ahead of Typhoon Ragasa yesterday. Zhong Zijie

Metro services suspended citywide

Under Emergency Mobilization Order No. 1 issued by the city’s Flood, Drought and Typhoon Control Headquarters, all Shenzhen Metro lines will cease operations early. Final trains are scheduled to depart terminal stations at 6 p.m. today. After that stations will operate as exit-only.

To help accommodate increased travel demand, the metro system began operating at peak-hour capacity from 12 p.m. onward. Passengers are urged to plan trips early and follow the instructions of station staff. The resumption of service will be announced via official Shenzhen Metro Weibo (深圳地铁), WeChat (深圳地铁), and app channels.

24-hour hotline available for expats in Shekou

The Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats has opened a 24-hour bilingual service hotline for international residents who may need assistance during the period the city is seriously affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa.

Expats can reach the center at: 0755-26678381, 15602930603. 

Operators are available around the clock to provide support in English and other languages as needed.

Residents urged to prepare — calmly

In preparation for the storm, authorities have advised residents to purchase a moderate amount of food and essential medication — enough for about three days. Officials emphasized that market supplies are sufficient and stable, and urged the public to avoid panic buying.

Residents shop for supplies at a supermarket yesterday as Shenzhen authorities urge households to stock up calmly for three days. Chen Manyu

The city is also working to ensure the steady availability of daily necessities across retail and wholesale markets.

Emergency shelters ready

Shenzhen will launch a Level I emergency response to flood and typhoon prevention at 6 p.m. today, the highest level in China’s four-tier emergency response system. Authorities are monitoring the storm closely and coordinating across weather, water, and marine departments to issue timely alerts.

All 865 emergency shelters in the city have been prepared for immediate activation if evacuations become necessary. According to Ren Yusheng from the city’s emergency response office, all fishing boats and offshore aquaculture workers have returned safely to shore. Inspections are underway at old buildings, underpasses, bridges, and low-lying roads to identify and mitigate hazards.

Emergency teams — including drainage crews, utility repair teams, and infrastructure engineers — are on standby across the city.

Ragasa bringing severe wind and rain risks

Typhoon Ragasa is currently packing maximum sustained winds exceeding 62 meters per second (approx. 223 km/h) — placing it at Force 17, the highest level on China’s tropical cyclone wind scale. The storm’s wind field spans 340 to 480 kilometers, broader than the entire Guangdong Province.

If Ragasa makes landfall with sustained winds over 51 meters per second (about 183 km/h or 114 mph) — Force 16 — the scope and duration of wind damage could increase significantly, especially for glass curtain walls, construction cranes, billboards, and roadside trees.

Storm surge and flooding also a concern

Zhang Bo, an expert with Shenzhen's emergency office, warned that Ragasa may coincide with an astronomical high tide on the third day of the lunar calendar, raising the potential for storm surge and seawater backflow in coastal low-lying areas.

In addition to wind, Ragasa is expected to bring around 300 millimeters of rainfall. The combination of heavy rain and high tides may result in drainage difficulties for rivers including the Shenzhen River, Maozhou River, and Pearl River estuary, increasing the risk of localized flooding.

“Today’s calm weather should not be misleading,” Zhang said. “Residents must stay alert and strictly follow official instructions.”

Water authority deploys flood defenses

The Shenzhen Water Authority has implemented a comprehensive flood prevention plan. Special focus has been placed on small reservoirs with large catchment areas, as well as rivers with rapidly rising water levels.

Dual power supply systems have been activated at pumping stations and sluice gates. Waterfront areas, greenways, and riverbanks have been closed for safety, and water supply infrastructure is undergoing final checks.

Emergency teams have been deployed in coordination with housing, transportation, utilities, and law enforcement departments to support the city’s operations during the storm.

Residents advised to stay indoors when storm hits

Residents are advised to complete all preparations by Tuesday afternoon and to remain indoors once weather conditions worsen. All are urged to stay updated through official government channels.

Further updates will be released as the storm develops.