In brief
Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China after wreaking havoc in Taiwan, where 17 people have been confirmed dead due to severe flooding induced by the storm. With winds reaching 241 km/h, Ragasa, now a severe typhoon, forced the evacuation of nearly two million residents in southern China. The storm caused injuries and disruptions across multiple regions, including Hong Kong and the Philippines. Rescue efforts are ongoing in Taiwan, where a dam failure led to catastrophic flooding.
Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China, announcing its arrival with winds of up to 241 km/h (150 mph). Ahead of its impact, nearly two million people were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
This comes after Taiwan faced devastation when a barrier lake burst earlier this week, leading to at least 17 fatalities and many more missing. The situation in Taiwan remains critical, with Premier Cho Jung-Tai demanding a thorough investigation into the evacuation procedures that failed to protect the most vulnerable.
Ragasa, now classified as a severe typhoon, was previously designated as a super typhoon before being downgraded. However, it still poses a significant threat, akin to a Category 5 hurricane, making it the strongest storm recorded worldwide this year.
In Hong Kong, the typhoon's approach led to injuries among 90 individuals, while significant disruptions were reported, including flight cancellations and school closures. Although Ragasa did not make landfall in the city, its associated dangers compelled officials to maintain the highest level weather alert.
As it made landfall on Hailing Island in Guangdong province, it transitioned into a stronger storm than many earlier typhoons that affected the area in recent months. The wind speeds are expected to weaken as the storm moves west, but heavy rainfall is forecasted to persist for several days.
Ongoing rescue operations in Taiwan aim to locate survivors and assist those trapped by the chaotic aftermath of the lake's breach, described as a “tsunami from the mountains” by geologists. Over 15 million tonnes of water were released, affecting key infrastructure and leaving many residents without shelter.
Across the region, authorities brace for further disruptions due to Ragasa's lingering effects, prompting warnings about potential landslides and additional evacuations.
