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<h2>Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches Macau</h2>
<p>As <strong>Super Typhoon Ragasa</strong>, the strongest storm of the year, neared southern China on Wednesday, September 24, Macau authorities took prompt action to protect public safety, resulting in <strong>the complete shutdown of all casino operations</strong>. Starting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) ordered the closure of gaming venues following the issuance of tropical cyclone signal No. 8, a preventive measure to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. According to <a href="https://agbrief.com/news/macau/24/09/2025/macau-suspends-all-casino-operations-as-super-typhoon-ragasa-hits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asia Gaming Brief</a>, Ragasa intensified swiftly, prompting the Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) to raise the alert to the highest level, No. 10, early Wednesday morning, indicating that the storm was approaching with winds exceeding 118 km/h.</p>
<h2>Casinos Cease Activities Due to Typhoon Effects</h2>
<p>The storm, which dangerously skirted Macau after wreaking havoc in Taiwan and the Philippines, caused extensive flooding, power outages, and major disruptions to daily routines. Warnings were issued regarding damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous storm surges, with forecasts predicting the worst conditions to hit between Wednesday morning and early afternoon.</p>
<h2>Local Infrastructure and Emergency Measures</h2>
<p>Macau's infrastructure, including ferry services and transport links to Hong Kong, was temporarily suspended in anticipation of Ragasa’s impact. Residents were advised to <strong>stay indoors</strong> and <strong>avoid low-lying areas</strong> due to flooding risks, while emergency shelters were opened across the city for those seeking refuge.</p>
<h2>History of Casino Shutdowns in Macau</h2>
<p>This is not the first instance of Macau’s casinos facing complete closures due to a natural disaster. The DICJ's action marks <strong>the fifth total shutdown</strong> in the history of the city's casinos. Notably, during Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, the casinos were closed for 33 hours, resulting in significant losses. Other shutdowns occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, including major closures in February 2020 and July 2022, as well as a nine-hour closure due to Typhoon Saola in 2023.</p>
<h2>The Devastation of Typhoon Ragasa</h2>
<p>Typhoon Ragasa made landfall in <strong>Guangdong province, China</strong>, after devastating parts of Taiwan and the Philippines, claiming at least 17 lives, primarily in Taiwan’s Hualien County. The storm’s outer bands brought heavy rains and strong winds to Hong Kong and Macau, leading to considerable damage. In Hong Kong, the highest storm warning was issued due to massive waves and flooding, affecting over 900 people who sought shelter.</p>
<h2>Post-Storm Recovery Efforts</h2>
<p>As Ragasa lashed Macau, the focus shifted to rising water levels and the potential for flooding in low-lying areas. The Inner Harbour, a key commercial zone, experienced significant flooding, with some areas seeing water levels surpass one meter. Power outages affected approximately 16,000 households, and the government has been working to restore electricity as floodwaters recede.</p>
<h2>Gradual Return to Normalcy</h2>
<p>Once the storm moved away, the SMG downgraded the warning from No. 10 to No. 8, allowing for a gradual reopening of public services. Unfortunately, significant damage remained in low-lying areas, with debris and residual floodwaters still present. The DICJ collaborated with casino operators to prepare for a safe resumption of operations once the typhoon alert was lowered to No. 3, signaling a return to normal business activities. The casinos, central to Macau’s economy, are anticipated to bounce back after the storm’s impacts.</p>
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