Typhoon Ragasa has emerged as one of Asia’s most powerful storms in recent years, causing significant damage and loss of life in Taiwan and the Philippines before impacting Hong Kong and southern China. The typhoon produced waves that surpassed lamppost heights along Hong Kong’s promenades and led to severe flooding across coastal regions.
In Taiwan, the storm claimed 17 lives due to severe flooding that inundated roads and swept away vehicles. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, ten fatalities were reported, primarily among fishermen caught in the storm’s ferocity.
In Guangdong province, authorities executed the relocation of nearly 1.9 million residents as a precautionary measure. A weather station recorded maximum wind gusts of 241 km/h in Chuandao town, marking the strongest winds since records began in Jiangmen city. The storm made landfall at Hailing Island, with central winds reaching 144 km/h, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.
Widespread destruction followed Ragasa’s arrival, with strong winds uprooting trees, damaging buildings, and causing significant disruptions to transportation services. In anticipation of the storm’s impact, schools and industries were closed in numerous cities, although some began to reopen as conditions improved. Officials allocated tens of millions for relief efforts in affected areas.
In Hong Kong, the typhoon’s arrival resulted in severe winds and rain that struck in the early hours, capturing residents’ attention as they witnessed property damage, including the loss of a crane and scattered debris across the city. The dangerous conditions led to injuries for around 90 individuals, and many businesses halted operations. Video footage of waves flooding a hotel quickly garnered attention on social media, though the hotel has yet to comment.
In Macau, similar measures were taken, with schools and flight operations suspended. Debris-laden streets turned into makeshift rivers, prompting rescue efforts using inflatable boats for those stranded. The local electricity provider also suspended service in low-lying areas as precautionary measures continued.
Ragasa has been classified as one of the strongest tropical cyclones in the northwestern Pacific and South China Sea this year, with sustained winds exceeding 185 km/h. This rating places it among the most intense of its kind since 1950.
As the storm’s aftermath was unfolding, Taiwan was grappling with damage from consecutive flooding events; in Hualien, a barrier lake overflowed, while in the Philippines, storm-related incidents left several fishermen and boats in peril as rough weather persisted.
In summary, Typhoon Ragasa’s widespread destruction and significant toll across affected nations underscore the fragility of coastal communities in the face of intense natural disasters. Rescue and recovery operations are now underway as countries contend with the devastating aftermath.