Super Typhoon Ragasa Slams Into China After Leaving Trail of Death Across Asia

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

BEIJING/TAIPEI/MANILA (Worthy News) – Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone of the year, has battered southern China after carving a path of destruction across the Philippines and Taiwan, leaving more than 20 people dead and dozens still missing.

The storm roared ashore on Hailing Island in Yangjiang, Guangdong province, at around 5 p.m. local time Wednesday, following a day of chaos in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, where hurricane-force winds and heavy rains shut down schools, businesses, and transportation.

China’s marine authority issued its highest red wave warning, forecasting storm surges of up to nine feet in coastal areas. More than two million people were evacuated across Guangdong, with officials dispatching tens of thousands of rescue supplies to affected areas.

Trail of Death and Destruction

In Taiwan, at least 15 people died in Guangfu township after a barrier lake collapsed under torrential rain, releasing millions of tons of water that flooded entire communities. Premier Cho Jung-tai has ordered an inquiry after residents said warnings were insufficient.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 100 people still missing and entire towns submerged. “The scale of the flooding was catastrophic — it all happened within minutes,” one survivor told local media.

In the Philippines, officials confirmed 10 deaths after Ragasa swept through northern provinces earlier this week, triggering landslides and flash floods.

Hong Kong and Southern China Reeling

In Hong Kong, the storm paralyzed the global financial hub. Winds topping 100 miles per hour shattered windows in high-rises, while massive waves battered the coastline, flooding streets and homes. At least 90 people were injured as authorities urged residents to remain indoors.

By the time Ragasa made landfall in China, it had weakened slightly but still packed the force of a Category 4 hurricane. Authorities across Guangdong shut schools and businesses, while police and rescue teams were stationed throughout the Pearl River Delta — one of China’s most densely populated and economically vital regions.

Typhoon Season Intensifies

Ragasa is already the ninth typhoon to strike Asia this year, well above the seasonal average of six. Forecasters warn its impacts could last for days as the storm churns inland.

Meanwhile, meteorologists are tracking another system, Typhoon Opong, which is intensifying in the Philippines in the aftermath of Ragasa’s, underscoring what experts warn is a particularly volatile season ahead.

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