Super Typhoon Ragasa has wreaked havoc across East Asia, causing widespread destruction in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and parts of southern China.
The storm has claimed at least 14 lives in Taiwan and injured 18 others after a decades-old lake barrier in Hualien County burst under the deluge, sending torrents of water into nearby communities.
In Hong Kong, fierce winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges battered the city, uprooting trees, flooding neighborhoods, and smashing glass doors at luxury hotels.
Floodwaters inundated residential estates, while strong winds tore off the top of pedestrian footbridges and rattled tall buildings.
Authorities reported that over 760 people sought refuge in 50 temporary shelters set up across the city. Rail and air travel were severely disrupted, with many passenger flights canceled and train services suspended.
Tragically, a five-year-old boy and his mother fell into the sea in Chai Wan while observing the turbulent waters. Both were rushed to hospital in critical condition, alongside the boy’s father, who reportedly jumped in to rescue them.
Meanwhile, Macau experienced widespread flooding and partial power outages in low-lying areas. The city’s utility company, CEM, reported that power supply was temporarily suspended in some regions to prevent further hazards.
As Ragasa moves westward toward southern China, authorities have closed schools and businesses in at least 10 cities across Guangdong province, affecting tens of millions of residents.
The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management predicts landfall along the Guangdong coast between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang later Wednesday, with hurricane-force winds and significant storm surges continuing to pose serious risks.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors and follow official advisories. Emergency services are on high alert, while local communities brace for potential flooding and landslides.
Super Typhoon Ragasa is part of a growing pattern of severe weather events in the region, highlighting concerns over climate change and the need for robust disaster preparedness.
