Super Typhoon Ragasa Devastates Taiwan, Millions Evacuated In China
Typhoon kills 14 in Taiwan; China evacuates millions.
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm to hit the Chinese coast this year, has left a trail of devastation in Taiwan, claiming 14 lives and injuring 18, while China’s southern Guangdong province braces for its imminent landfall. With wind speeds reaching a staggering 212 km per hour, the 18th typhoon of the season has prompted the evacuation of over 1.04 million residents in Guangdong, a global manufacturing hub, as authorities scramble to mitigate the storm’s catastrophic impact.
In Taiwan, Ragasa’s wrath has been relentless, with local authorities reporting 100 people still trapped across various regions, awaiting rescue. The storm’s outer circulation triggered torrential rainfall, flooding coastal areas in the east, north, and south. On Tuesday, a dam overflow in Hualien County’s barrier lake caused widespread flooding, exacerbating the crisis. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to reach those stranded and provide aid to affected communities.
As Ragasa approaches Guangdong, its effects are already battering the Pearl River Delta, a critical economic region. China’s National Meteorological Centre has forecasted landfall later today, prompting the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters to elevate the emergency response to Level III for Guangdong and Hainan provinces. Local authorities have reinforced infrastructure to combat potential flooding, including stormwater backflow, and implemented sweeping safety measures.
Also Read: Monster Typhoon Ragasa Wreaks Havoc Across Asia
In preparation, transportation networks have ground to a halt. Shenzhen’s airport, a key hub for high-tech industries, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge have been closed since Monday. Guangzhou canceled all flights through Wednesday evening, while Zhuhai saw 21 flight cancellations on Tuesday. Public transport, including buses, taxis, and subways, has been suspended, and highway access restricted. Businesses in Shenzhen are fortifying their premises, taping windows and securing outdoor objects, while authorities have trimmed over 18,000 trees to reduce hazards, according to the South China Morning Post.
The scale of evacuations and closures underscores the severity of Ragasa, which could be the most destructive storm to strike China in 2025. As Guangdong and Hainan brace for impact, the region remains on high alert, with emergency teams mobilized to address flooding, infrastructure damage, and potential loss of life. The coming hours will be critical as China confronts the full force of this super typhoon.
Also Read: Boeing Stock Surges After Uzbekistan Dreamliner Order, China Deal Looms
