Super Typhoon Ragasa has wreaked havoc across parts of Asia, chiefly impacting Taiwan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. This exceptionally powerful storm generated waves comparable in height to lampposts along Hong Kong’s promenades, leading to widespread disruption in Southern China.
The typhoon has resulted in tragic fatalities, with 14 lives lost in Taiwan due to flooding in a township, and at least four deceased in the Philippines, including an elderly man who died in a rockslide. The heavy rains caused significant damage in Taiwan, where overflowing waters transformed roads in Hualien County into torrents, washing away vehicles and debris. Across Luzon in the Philippines, approximately 700,000 individuals felt the storm’s impact, prompting 25,000 people to evacuate to emergency shelters.
As Ragasa approached Hong Kong, the city experienced powerful winds that woke residents in the early hours. Numerous reports emerged on social media, detailing incidents like a ventilation fan being dislodged and a crane swaying dangerously. Structural damages included parts of a pedestrian bridge roof being blown off and hundreds of trees toppled.
In response to the storm, nearly 1.9 million residents were relocated in Guangdong province, a significant economic region in southern China. Authorities reported severe flooding around rivers and promenades, with schools, factories, and public transport services suspended in numerous cities. Flights were cancelled in Hong Kong and nearby Macao, and shops were closed as a precautionary measure.
Though Hong Kong itself was spared the worst of Ragasa, with the storm passing roughly 100 kilometres to the south, the local observatory reported sustained winds near the centre of the typhoon surpassing 195 km/h. Local officials categorised this cyclone as a super typhoon, raising awareness among residents as to the potential risks.
In the aftermath of Ragasa’s path through Taiwan and the Philippines, local authorities scrambled to provide aid and support. In the affected Taiwanese township of Guangfu, local officials lost contact with 124 residents amid the flooding. Rescuers conducted door-to-door checks to assess the well-being of affected individuals, while at least 34 injuries were documented across the island.
Overall, Super Typhoon Ragasa has illustrated the destructive power of such storms, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters, as communities rally to support those impacted.