Typhoon Ragasa kills 14 and wreaks havoc across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China
- Typhoon Ragasa caused severe flooding and destruction in Taiwan, resulting in 14 deaths.
- In response, nearly two million people were evacuated in southern China as the storm arrived.
- The typhoon's impact has highlighted the need for preparedness and rapid response in affected regions.
In recent days, Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of 2025, has wreaked havoc across several regions including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China. The typhoon made its presence felt in Taiwan, where it led to the tragic loss of 14 lives as torrential rain caused a mountain lake to burst its banks, inundating the town of Guangfu. This catastrophe forced many residents to seek refuge on higher ground, while infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, faced substantial damage, leaving hundreds stranded. Reports also indicated that more than 120 individuals remained unaccounted for in the aftermath of this disaster, showcasing the gravity of the situation. As the storm advanced toward mainland China, significant preparations were made. The Chinese government initiated mass evacuations in Guangdong province, with nearly two million people moved to safer locations ahead of the typhoon's expected landfall. Local officials prudently shut down schools, factories, and public transport in several cities, anticipating severe conditions that would accompany the typhoon. Emergency response teams were deployed, comprising thousands of firefighters and rescue workers, all on standby to respond to the storm's impact, which included warnings for storm surges reaching potentially catastrophic heights. By Wednesday, as Typhoon Ragasa pummeled Hong Kong, it was reported to bring hurricane-force winds and torrential rain, further complicating the situation in an already densely populated area. The city experienced heavy flooding, with waves crashing through public spaces and impacting numerous residents. Authorities raised the storm warning to its highest level, instructing the public to remain indoors and prepare for the worst. Notable scenes emerged of daily life being halted, with supermarkets being depleted of essential supplies due to panic buying in anticipation of the storm. Despite the forecasts indicating a potential decrease in intensity as Ragasa progressed toward landfall, the typhoon was still causing extensive destruction. By the afternoon, it had skirted past Hong Kong, but caution was still advised due to residual high winds and flooding concerns. As recovery efforts continued in various impacted regions, the series of events underscored the powerful and destructive nature of Typhoon Ragasa, impacting thousands of lives and infrastructure in its wake.