Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Southern China Following Devastation in Taiwan

Tue Sep 30 2025 02:25:41 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Typhoon Ragasa, referred to as the 'King of Storms,' has made landfall in Guangdong, China, leading to widespread evacuations and destruction after causing fatalities in Taiwan.

Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the year, has made landfall in southern China, prompting nearly two million evacuations. The storm comes on the heels of severe flooding in Taiwan that has left at least 17 dead and many missing due to a dam breach. With winds reaching 241 km/h, Ragasa poses significant risks including heavy rainfall and potential landslides in the region.

Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China, where nearly two million people have been evacuated in preparation for its arrival.

It comes after authorities said at least 17 people had been killed and more missing in Taiwan after a lake burst on Tuesday, causing severe flooding in the island's east.

Ragasa was downgraded from a super to a severe typhoon but remains highly destructive, with top winds of 241 km/h (150 mph) recorded in Taishan county in China's south-eastern Guangdong province. The equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, Ragasa is the world's strongest storm this year and has been roaring over the South China Sea for days.

Ahead of making landfall, 90 people were injured in Hong Kong as the storm skirted its coastline. The typhoon made landfall on the coast of Hailing Island, Yanjiang City in Guangdong at about 17:00 local time on Wednesday, according to Chinese state media. It crossed the mainland with sustained winds of 144 km/h and higher gusts.

The southern Chinese cities of Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou were braced for seawater intrusion. In Zhuhai, police patrolled the streets with sirens and megaphones, telling people to stay at home. Red alerts for landslides were also issued in mountainous regions of Guangdong province.

Away from the Chinese mainland, authorities in Taiwan are still dealing with the destruction caused by Ragasa, which officials have described as being far worse than anticipated. Premier Cho Jung-Tai has demanded an inquiry into how evacuations were carried out after at least 17 people died due to the barrier lake bursting its banks in Hualien county.

Geologists have described the breach as a tsunami from the mountains, releasing an estimated 15.4 million tonnes of water. The flooding has washed away several key bridges, submerged vehicles, and left many homes underwater.

Authorities have established a disaster response center in Hualien, with military troops deployed to assist rescue efforts. The floodwaters have receded in the city, but thick mud and debris remain, hampering search operations for the missing.

As the storm continues to impact the region, millions are left to cope with the aftermath of Ragasa's fury, highlighting the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms across affected areas.

Typhoon Ragasa has also caused disruption in Hong Kong and the Philippines, where flights were grounded and schools closed due to severe conditions. The storm poses ongoing challenges for emergency services as they work to aid affected communities.