Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Southern China After Devastation in Taiwan

Sun Oct 12 2025 20:52:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms of 2025, has made landfall in southern China after causing severe damage and fatalities in Taiwan. The storm forced nearly two million evacuations and prompted red alerts for landslides in Guangdong province.

Typhoon Ragasa, downgraded to a severe typhoon, hit southern China after causing at least 17 fatalities and extensive flooding in Taiwan. With winds of 241km/h, the storm has led to mass evacuations in China with authorities warning of continued torrential rain and possible landslides. In Taiwan, the aftermath of the storm has led to calls for an inquiry into evacuation procedures following a deadly lake breach. Residents continue to face severe damage as recovery efforts are underway.

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

This comes after authorities reported at least 17 fatalities and numerous individuals missing in Taiwan, following a lake bursting due to extreme weather on Tuesday, resulting in significant flooding in the eastern region.

Initially downgraded from a super typhoon, Ragasa still maintained destructive winds, reaching 241km/h (150mph) in Taishan county, an area within Guangdong province in southeastern China.

Labelled as the strongest storm of the year globally, Ragasa wreaked havoc over the South China Sea before hitting the mainland.

In Hong Kong, the storm resulted in 90 injuries as it swept across the coastline, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay indoors and issued the highest storm warnings.

After making landfall along Hailing Island in Guangdong at around 17:00 local time on Wednesday, the storm transitioned to the mainland with sustained winds of 144km/h, although these are anticipated to weaken gradually as it moves westward.

The cities of Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are now on high alert for potential seawater intrusion and residents are advised to remain indoors.

In Taiwan, the severe flooding triggered by Ragasa, which officials have termed "far worse than anticipated," led Premier Cho Jung-Tai to demand an inquiry into the executed evacuation measures. Initial reports indicate that a barrier lake, which formed due to prior landslides, burst its banks, unleashing an estimated 15.4 million tonnes of water, impacting severely populated areas.

Rescue teams are actively searching for missing persons amid reports of entire villages, like Dama, submerged. Individuals are trapped in upper levels of flooded homes awaiting assistance, creating an urgent rescue situation.

As recovery efforts begin, debris and mud remain prevalent in the stricken areas. The government has mobilised military troops for support in these operations.

Typhoon Ragasa's impact stretches beyond the shores of China; earlier this week, it caused devastation across several regions of the Philippines, resulting in fatalities and widespread displacement.

With anticipations of continued heavy rainfall and possible landslides ahead, officials emphasize the necessity for caution as more adverse conditions are expected from this powerful storm.