Typhoon Ragasa Causes Destruction Across Southern China

HONG KONG, China (AP) — Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful tropical cyclone of 2025, made landfall in southern China on September 24 after causing devastation in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The storm killed 17 people in Taiwan before bringing heavy rains and strong winds to Hong Kong.

The typhoon struck Yangjiang, in Guangdong province, with maximum winds exceeding 162 mph. It formed over the Western Pacific and rapidly became a Category 5 storm last week, although it has since weakened.

In Taiwan, officials reported 17 people missing after severe flooding from an overflowing lake. Many residents in the tourist town of Guangfu felt they were not adequately warned of the impending flood as it swept through, leading to chaos and fear.

In Hong Kong, Ragasa caused significant damage, flooding roads and residential areas. Seawater surged through doors at the Fullerton Hotel, and large waves hit the city’s eastern and southern shorelines. Despite the damage, no injuries were reported at the hotel.

Officials in Guangdong evacuated over 2 million people as the storm approached. The Chinese marine authority issued its highest red wave warning for the first time this year, predicting storm surges up to 9 feet.

Chim Lee, a senior energy and climate change specialist, noted that the region is better prepared compared to past typhoons that caused billions in damage in 2017 and 2018. The Hong Kong stock market remained open during the storm, reflecting infrastructure resilience.

Authorities dispatched tens of thousands of tents, beds, and rescue supplies to support evacuation efforts. Local businesses took measures to protect storefronts by parking trucks in front of them.

On social media, videos captured the extent of the typhoon’s impact, as people braved the elements to document the storm. A Shenzhen resident described stepping outside with their children to experience the heavy rain.

Health officials reported at least 90 injuries related to the storm in Hong Kong, which prompted the opening of 50 temporary shelters for displaced residents. As recovery efforts commence, officials remain cautious about flooding risks, especially in low-lying areas.