Breaking News: One of the strongest storms of the year, Super Typhoon Ragasa, has left at least 17 people dead in Taiwan and caused massive destruction in Hong Kong as it moved toward southern China. This powerful storm has forced schools and businesses to shut down, flights to be canceled, and thousands of families to evacuate.
Taiwan Hit First: Lake Burst and Lives Lost
The first major damage from Typhoon Ragasa happened in Taiwan.
- In Hualien County, a decades-old lake barrier broke after heavy rainfall. This tragic event killed 17 people and injured 18 others.
- Entire villages were flooded, and rescuers worked day and night to save stranded residents.
- Taiwan’s government said this was one of the most severe disasters in recent years.
Officials also confirmed that two more deaths occurred in the northern Philippines as the storm moved westward before striking China.
Hong Kong Faces Record Storm Surges
By Wednesday, Ragasa had turned toward Hong Kong, bringing hurricane-force winds, flooding, and massive waves.
- The Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest typhoon warning, reporting water levels rising more than 3 meters above normal.
- Luxury hotels were damaged, with storm surges breaking glass doors and flooding lobbies.
- Videos shared on social media showed streets underwater, a pedestrian bridge roof torn off, and tall buildings swaying dangerously.
More than 760 people took shelter in government-run centers, while others stocked food and water at home, fearing power cuts.
China Shuts Down as Typhoon Makes Landfall
China’s Guangdong Province prepared for the worst as Ragasa approached.
- Authorities ordered schools and businesses to close in at least 10 cities, affecting millions.
- Residents in high-rise apartments were told to evacuate, with many moving into nearby hotels.
- Rail travel across Guangdong was suspended, and Yangjiang train station stood empty on what would normally be a busy day.
China’s Marine Authority even issued its highest red wave warning, the first time this year such an alert has been activated.
Human Stories Amid the Chaos
Behind the numbers are the personal struggles of those facing the storm.
- A five-year-old boy and his mother fell into the sea while watching waves in Hong Kong. Both remain in critical condition, while the boy’s father was also hospitalized after trying to rescue them.
- Local shopkeepers in Yangjiang said they were unsure whether they could reopen anytime soon.
- Residents like Terence Choi stored food and supplies, worrying about losing electricity and water.
- A chef, Benjamin Phizacklea, said he expected chaos but was surprised at how well the city still functioned under pressure.
Why These Storms Are Growing Stronger
Experts warn that storms like Ragasa are becoming more powerful because of climate change. Rising global temperatures are creating stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and more destructive surges.
- In the past, Hong Kong and China have faced super typhoons, but officials say Ragasa’s impact could rival those of 2017 and 2018, which caused hundreds of millions in damages.
- Cities like Shenzhen ordered 400,000 evacuations, showing how seriously the government is treating this storm.
This tragedy highlights the growing need for climate action, better disaster preparation, and international cooperation in the face of extreme weather.
