Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone of the year, battered Hong Kong on 24 September with hurricane-force winds reaching up to 200 kph and relentless rain, prompting the city to issue its highest typhoon warning. Huge waves crashed over the eastern and southern shorelines, flooding roads, hotels, and residential areas, while residents rushed to tape windows and stock up on supplies amid fears of prolonged shutdowns. The Hong Kong Observatory warned of rising sea levels similar to those seen during past destructive storms, with water levels expected to peak around noon. Over 700 people sought refuge in 49 temporary shelters as public transport and businesses came to a standstill.
In Taiwan, heavy rains from Ragasa’s outer bands triggered deadly flooding, leaving at least 14 people dead. A barrier lake in Hualien county overflowed, unleashing a wall of water into a nearby town, while widespread downpours swamped communities since the storm’s arrival on 23 September. The Taiwan fire department reported continuous rainfall since Monday, with emergency teams racing to contain the damage and rescue stranded residents.
The storm also affected Macau, where authorities raised the No. 10 signal and shut down casinos and hotels to keep residents and tourists safe. Guests were sealed inside properties as powerful winds and rising tides threatened coastal areas. Videos on social media showed doors barricaded to withstand the force of the approaching typhoon.
Ragasa is expected to maintain super typhoon strength as it moves toward China’s Guangdong province, home to over 125 million people. Authorities evacuated more than 770,000 residents and cancelled flights and high-speed rail services across major cities including Guangzhou and Shenzhen. China’s marine authority issued its highest red wave warning, forecasting storm surges of up to 2.8 metres along the coast. Emergency supplies such as tents, beds, and lighting equipment were dispatched in anticipation of severe flooding and potential large-scale destruction.
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Super Typhoon Ragasa slams Hong Kong as deadly floods hit Taiwan and China braces
