Hong Kong was plunged into chaos as Super Typhoon Ragasa unleashed its fury, with one hotel bearing the brutal brunt of the storm in a heart-stopping moment captured on video.
The terrifying footage shows a calm hotel reception area suddenly transformed into a raging torrent. Without warning, a massive wall of water, resembling a tsunami, smashes through the glass entrance, sending furniture and debris flying and forcing staff to scramble for safety.
A City on Edge
The storm system, packing sustained winds of over 150 kilometres per hour, lashed the financial hub, bringing the city to a virtual standstill. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the highest Typhoon Signal No. 10, urging residents to stay indoors as the typhoon made its closest approach.
Transport networks were severely disrupted, with flights cancelled and the iconic Star Ferry service suspended. The government reported numerous instances of fallen trees and localized flooding across the territory.
The Aftermath and Response
Emergency services were inundated with calls for assistance as the typhoon raged. The hotel where the shocking incident occurred is now assessing the extensive damage, with management praising staff for their quick thinking and confirming that no serious injuries were reported.
"It was like a scene from a disaster movie," one witness recounted. "The power of the water was unbelievable. You just don't expect that to happen in the heart of the city."
Meteorologists warn that while Ragasa is now moving away from the coast, the threat of heavy rainfall and potential landslides remains high. The event has sparked further discussion about the city's resilience in the face of increasingly intense weather patterns linked to climate change.
