Taipei, Taiwan — Typhoon Ragasa unleashed its fury across Taiwan on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 individuals and leaving many more injured. As the powerful storm progressed, it made its way to southern China, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents in its path.
Ragasa first made landfall in the Philippines on Monday, claiming the lives of at least four people before drifting back to sea and intensifying. By the time it reached Taiwan, the typhoon had evolved into a formidable force, with winds reaching sustained speeds of 165 miles per hour. On Wednesday, those winds were still felt as the storm approached Hong Kong and continued heading toward southern China.
The impact of Ragasa was significant, manifesting in widespread destruction marked by landslides, flooding, and enormous waves. In Taiwan, the aftermath of the storm included the collapse of a natural dam that released an estimated 68 million tons of water, inundating the Guangfu township and contributing to the death toll. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities actively searching for missing individuals amid the extensive damage.
In Guangdong Province, nearly two million residents were evacuated as Ragasa made landfall on Wednesday. Local media reported that over 38,000 firefighters and 400 emergency response teams had been deployed in anticipation of the storm, which threatened densely populated coastal areas. Chinese officials have also set aside $21 million for disaster relief efforts in the stricken provinces of Hainan, Fujian, and Guangdong.
As Ragasa approached, the Chinese marine authority elevated its storm surge warnings to red alert for the first time in 2025, predicting wave surges as high as nine feet. The typhoon hit Guangdong’s Hailing Island, located approximately 145 miles west of Hong Kong, bringing thorough preparations to a critical phase. Authorities warned that areas like Shenzhen, particularly those at lower elevations, faced significant risks of flooding.
Wednesday’s conditions in Hong Kong reflected the storm’s intensity, with residents navigating floodwaters and emergency services working tirelessly to assist those in need. Images emerged of uprooted trees and standing water, highlighting the challenges faced by communities grappling with the storm’s aftermath.
As recovery efforts progress, both Taiwan and mainland China remain keenly aware of the risks associated with severe weather patterns, signaling a growing need for preparedness measures in the face of climate change.