Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest tropical cyclones this year, left a trail of destruction in its wake as it moved from the Philippines to Taiwan and southern China.
Authorities across the region issued alerts and prepared for heavy rain, strong winds, and rising sea levels as the storm continued its path.
Strong waves crash against the waterfront in Heng Fa Chuen area as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches in Hong Kong, Wednesday. (Source: AP)
A resident carries a pet as he walks through the floodwaters in Lei Yue Mun area, Hong Kong. (Source: AP)
Taiwan floods and deaths
In Hualien County, Taiwan, a barrier lake overflowed in Guangfu township on Tuesday, sending torrents of water through streets and homes. Fourteen people died, and 124 remain missing. More than half of the township’s 8,450 residents took shelter on higher floors or on higher ground.
A drone shot shows the remaining piers of the Mataian Bridge after it collapsed during typhoon Super Typhoon Ragasa passing through Hualien in eastern Taiwan. (Source: AP)
Rescuers went door-to-door to check on residents. The military dispatched 340 troops, and other regions sent support teams. Across Taiwan, 34 people were injured as heavy rains continued.
Firefighters walk through floodwaters in Lei Yue Mun area as super typhoon Ragasa approaches Hong Kong, (Source: AP)
A pedestrian holds umbrella under strong wind in Heng Fa Chuen area as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches in Hong Kong. (Source: AP)
Philippines & Hong Kong impact
The northern Philippines reported four deaths, including an elderly man trapped in a rockslide. Nearly 7 lakh people were affected in Luzon, with about 25,000 taking refuge in government emergency shelters.
Ragasa reached Hong Kong early Wednesday with sustained winds near 195 kph and heavy rainfall. Authorities issued typhoon signal 10, the highest warning, along with the Amber rainstorm signal. Schools, flights, and public transport were suspended.
Strong winds damaged pedestrian bridges, toppled hundreds of trees, and caused vessels to crash into shorelines. Flooding affected promenades, cycling lanes, playgrounds, and streets near rivers. A hotel in the south saw seawater surge through its doors, flooding the interior. Authorities opened 49 temporary shelters, hosting 727 residents.
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Workers install protective barriers at a restaurant ahead of super typhoon Ragasa approaching Hong Kong. (Source: AP)
Macao and Guangdong Preparedness
Macao, a casino hub, also issued signal 10 warning. Streets in Macao turned into streams with debris floating around. The gambling city’s local electricity supplier suspended its power supply in some flooded, low-lying areas for safety.
Residents install flood barriers at a doorway of a building ahead of approaching Super Typhoon Ragasa, in Macao. (Source: AP)
In Guangdong province, southern China, authorities evacuated more than 7.7 lakh people. Schools, factories, and transport services were suspended in over 10 cities. Flights at major airports were cancelled. China’s marine authority issued a red wave warning, forecasting storm surges up to 2.8 metres. Emergency supplies including tents, folding beds, and lighting equipment were dispatched.
A man holds on to his umbrella against strong winds ahead of Super Typhoon Ragasa in Shenzhen in southern China’s Guangdong province. (Source: AP)
Typhoon path ahead
Ragasa is expected to make landfall between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang Wednesday afternoon, maintaining super typhoon strength. Authorities remain on alert as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rising sea levels threaten millions in southern China.
Waves crash onto a beach near giant sculptures in Shenzhen in southern China’s Guangdong province on Wednesday. (Source: AP)
(With inputs from AP, Reuters)
