Super Typhoon Ragasa unleashed its fury on Hong Kong and southern China after earlier destroying portions of Taiwan and the Philippines. The storm carried sustained winds up to 195 kph (120 mph) and gusts reaching 241 kph (150 mph). It left a trail of flooding, structural damage, and power outages across coastal regions. Authorities moved swiftly to evacuate people and suspend transportation services as they prepared for the worst.
Tragedy in Taiwan and the Philippines
In Taiwan, heavy rains caused a barrier lake to overflow in Hualien County. The flooding washed away roads and bridges in Guangfu Township and submerged entire neighborhoods. Officials confirmed 14 deaths and reported 124 people missing. Before the storm hit Taiwan, Ragasa also claimed lives in the Philippines. At least 10 people died, including fishermen whose boats capsized off Luzon’s coast. The disaster displaced hundreds of thousands, and many coastal communities counted losses in homes and crops.
Hong Kong and Southern China Brace
As Ragasa approached, Hong Kong issued its highest storm alerts, closed schools, shut down businesses, and cancelled hundreds of flights. Coastal storm surges battered promenades and flooded low-lying districts. Waves overtopped barriers and displaced floodwaters into city streets. In parts of southern China, particularly Guangdong province, officials relocated nearly 1.9 million residents ahead of the storm’s projected landfall between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang. Shelters opened, and emergency crews readied for response operations.
Infrastructure Damage and Ripple Effects
The storm cut power to thousands, felled trees, and damaged buildings. In Hong Kong, roads flooded and parts of the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel saw seawater breach glass fronts. In southern China, waves weakened defenses and injured structures along the coastline. Ports, factories, and transport hubs paused their operations. The region’s economic hub, which includes Shenzhen and Guangzhou, sat on high alert as storm surges threatened key infrastructure and connectivity.
Response and Rescue Efforts
Emergency services in all affected areas mobilized rapidly. In Taiwan, rescue teams went door to door in the flooded zones to find survivors and recover those missing. In China, authorities deployed tents, medical aid, and personnel to evacuation centers. Weather agencies tracked Ragasa’s slow west-northwest movement toward China’s coast. Officials compared preparations to past major storms like Mangkhut, ensuring better readiness this time.
What Comes Next
As Ragasa continues westward, it may weaken slightly but still threaten inland provinces with heavy rain, landslides, and flash floods. Power restoration will be a priority. Authorities must also assess structural damage and clear debris to reopen roads. In Taiwan and the Philippines, recovery and relief efforts may stretch over months, given the scale of displacement and destruction. Meanwhile, climate scientists and disaster planners will study Ragasa’s rapid intensification and path for lessons in future storm forecasting.
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