Taiwan, September 24: Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall in southern China after wreaking havoc in Taiwan and Hong Kong. In Taiwan, the storm led to at least 17 deaths, with 32 injuries and 17 people still missing. The Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake overflowed, sweeping away a bridge and several vehicles, causing severe flooding in Guangfu Township. Over 8,000 people were evacuated, and more than 160 flights were canceled. In Hong Kong, the typhoon brought hurricane-force winds and heavy rains, leading to significant disruptions. As the storm moves toward southern China, authorities have initiated mass evacuations, with over a million residents relocated to safer areas. The Chinese government is on high alert, preparing for potential widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.
uper Typhoon Ragasa intensified overnight, making landfall in southern China after causing severe damage in Taiwan. Authorities in Guangdong province have initiated mass evacuations, with over a million residents relocated to safer areas. The storm’s impact has led to widespread flooding, power outages, and significant infrastructure damage. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency teams deployed to assist affected communities.
In Taiwan, the typhoon’s effects were catastrophic. The Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake, formed by a landslide two months ago, burst its banks, sending torrents of water into Guangfu Township in Hualien County. This sudden deluge resulted in at least 17 confirmed deaths, with 32 injuries and 17 individuals still missing. Approximately 5,200 residents were forced to seek shelter in higher floors of their homes as floodwaters inundated the area. The storm also caused widespread power outages, with over 11,000 households affected, and disrupted transportation, including the cancellation of more than 160 flights at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
As Ragasa moves toward China, authorities are on high alert. The typhoon made landfall in Yangjiang city, Guangdong province, with sustained winds up to 144 km/h and gusts reaching 241 km/h. Nearly 1.9 million residents have been evacuated from flood-prone areas, and emergency response teams are mobilized to address the impending threats of coastal flooding and infrastructure damage. Train services in the Guangxi region have been suspended, and the Chinese government has allocated emergency funds for relief efforts.
In Hong Kong, Ragasa brought powerful winds and heavy rains, causing significant disruptions. Infrastructure was damaged, trees were uprooted, and coastal areas experienced flooding. Ninety people were injured, and services, including schools and transportation, were disrupted. The Hong Kong Observatory identified Ragasa as the strongest tropical cyclone in the region so far in 2025, tying historical records set by Typhoons Saola (2023) and Yagi (2024).
The combined impact of Typhoon Ragasa across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China underscores the escalating threats posed by extreme weather events in the region. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating rescue and relief operations to mitigate the storm’s devastating effects.
