Typhoon Ragasa Batters Taiwan, Moves Toward China With Rising Death Toll

Super Typhoon Ragasa cut a devastating path through Taiwan and is now pushing into southern China, leaving destruction, flooding, and loss of life in its wake. The storm struck Taiwan first, where at least 14 people died and 18 were injured when a barrier lake broke in eastern Hualien County after Ragasa’s heavy rains and winds slammed the region. The flooding washed out roads, destroyed bridges, and caused parts of the landscape to collapse.

In the Philippines, Ragasa had already claimed at least two lives earlier, as it built strength before heading northward toward Taiwan and then China. As the storm advanced, officials in southern China moved quickly. The Ministry of Emergency Management warned that landfall might occur along Guangdong province’s coast, somewhere between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang, likely later today. To brace for impact, authorities ordered the closure of businesses and schools in at least ten cities, affecting tens of millions of people.

In Hong Kong, fierce winds battered the territory. Severe flooding engulfed low-lying districts, and storm surge shattering glass doors sent water rushing into hotel lobbies. Tall buildings swayed and rattled under the strain, and major infrastructure was disrupted. Many residents took shelter as authorities activated the highest typhoon warnings. In Macau, flooding was widespread; electricity supply was suspended in several areas, while rescue teams worked to evacuate residents from dangerous zones.

Transport systems have been affected too. Rail services in Guangdong are suspended in many regions. The normally busy stations stand eerily quiet, and many flights have been canceled. Tens of thousands of residents have been moved into temporary shelters, and emergency teams are on alert for further damage.

Officials say coastal areas may see waters rise more than three meters above normal levels because of storm surge. They are urging people to remain indoors, avoid venturing out, and follow all safety directives. With Ragasa now moving inland, the full scale of damage and long-term recovery needs is still emerging. Authorities across the region are already mobilizing to assist affected communities, repair infrastructure, and restore critical services as the storm’s fury begins to subside.