Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China, where nearly two million people have been evacuated in preparation for its arrival. It comes after authorities said at least 17 people had been killed and more missing in Taiwan after a lake burst on Tuesday, causing severe flooding in the island's east. Ragasa was downgraded from a super to a severe typhoon but remains highly destructive, with top winds of 241km/h (150mph) recorded in Taishan county in China's south-eastern Guangdong province.
The equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, Ragasa is the world's strongest storm this year and has been roaring over the South China Sea for days. Ahead of making landfall, 90 people were injured in Hong Kong as the storm skirted its coastline, the hospital authority said.
The typhoon made landfall on the coast of Hailing Island, Yanjiang City in Guangdong at about 17:00 local time. It crossed the mainland with sustained winds of 144km/h and higher gusts. Wind speeds are expected to gradually weaken over land, but heavy rain will persist for several days across the region.
Authorities in Taiwan are still dealing with the destruction caused by Ragasa, described as "far worse than anticipated." Premier Cho Jung-Tai has demanded an inquiry into the evacuation failures after the burst dam led to fatalities and missing persons. Preliminary estimates indicate the release of 15.4 million tonnes of water during the disaster, affecting several towns and causing widespread flooding.
The government has initiated rescue operations, deploying troops to support local communities in recovery efforts. While Ragasa causes chaos in Taiwan, it has also disrupted life in Hong Kong and the Philippines, where deaths and damages have been reported. As the storm continues its path, the implications of this powerful typhoon remain a significant concern for the region.
The equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, Ragasa is the world's strongest storm this year and has been roaring over the South China Sea for days. Ahead of making landfall, 90 people were injured in Hong Kong as the storm skirted its coastline, the hospital authority said.
The typhoon made landfall on the coast of Hailing Island, Yanjiang City in Guangdong at about 17:00 local time. It crossed the mainland with sustained winds of 144km/h and higher gusts. Wind speeds are expected to gradually weaken over land, but heavy rain will persist for several days across the region.
Authorities in Taiwan are still dealing with the destruction caused by Ragasa, described as "far worse than anticipated." Premier Cho Jung-Tai has demanded an inquiry into the evacuation failures after the burst dam led to fatalities and missing persons. Preliminary estimates indicate the release of 15.4 million tonnes of water during the disaster, affecting several towns and causing widespread flooding.
The government has initiated rescue operations, deploying troops to support local communities in recovery efforts. While Ragasa causes chaos in Taiwan, it has also disrupted life in Hong Kong and the Philippines, where deaths and damages have been reported. As the storm continues its path, the implications of this powerful typhoon remain a significant concern for the region.
