Hong Kong Braces for Arrival of Typhoon Ragasa
Introduction
The Observatory has issued a warning for Hongkongers to prepare for the arrival of Typhoon Ragasa, which is expected to bring high winds, flooding, and very high sea levels to the city mid-next week. The typhoon is expected to have wind speeds of up to 220 km/h, similar to the devastating storms Hato and Mangkhut that caused widespread damage in recent years.
Key Details
Typhoon Ragasa, known as Typhoon Danas in Japan, has already made landfall in the Philippines and is now heading towards Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Observatory has advised residents to take necessary precautions and stay tuned to weather updates. The last typhoon to hit Hong Kong with winds over 200 km/h was Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which caused severe damage and brought a storm surge of up to 3.38 meters. The sea levels are expected to be similar with Typhoon Ragasa and could cause coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
Impact
The potential impact of Typhoon Ragasa could be significant, with the strong winds and high sea levels posing a threat to the safety and infrastructure of Hong Kong. Residents are advised to secure loose objects, stay away from the coast, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. The city has also activated its emergency response system and is closely monitoring the situation.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Observatory
The term **"Observatory"** can refer to different organizations depending on the context. However, in business and technology news, one of the most relevant modern entities is the **European Patent Office (EPO) Observatory on Patents and Technology**, launched in 2023. This Observatory leverages the EPO’s 50 years of patent expertise and its examination of nearly 200,000 patent applications annually to foster innovation discussions, map technology trends, and support Europe's strategic priorities in innovation and competitiveness[3]. The EPO Observatory operates by combining advanced economic and technological tools with extensive patent data analysis, helping stakeholders better understand emerging innovations and market dynamics. It emphasizes transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration, working closely with the 39 member states’ national patent offices, EU institutions, and partner organizations such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This collaboration ensures a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to innovation policy and intellectual property (IP) strategy aligned with Europe’s goals for research and development[3]. Besides the EPO, the term "Observatory" also broadly describes organizations dedicated to scientific observation and data analysis. For example, astronomical observatories such as the **European Southern Observatory (ESO)** and the **Rubin Observatory** focus on managing large-scale scientific facilities and advancing astronomy through global partnerships and cutting-edge instrumentation[1][4][5]. These observatories are structured with specialized directorates or collaborations that manage operations, scientific research, technology upgrades, and public engagement. Another institutional use is the **WOAH Observatory**, a program that monitors the implementation of international animal health and welfare standards worldwide through systematic data collection and thematic studies to support policy and compliance[2]. In summary, **Observatories**—whether focused on patents, science, or standards—serve as critical hubs for data aggregation, analysis, and facilitating informed decision-making in their respective fields. The EPO Observatory stands out in business and technology as a recent, dynamic initiative that integrates patent intelligence with innovatio
