TL;DR : Typhoon Ragasa has left a trail of devastation from Taiwan to southern China, causing deaths, flooding, and widespread disruption. Massive evacuation efforts and warnings are underway as the storm continues its path through a densely populated and economically vital region. The event underscores increasing risks from climate change-induced extreme weather in Asia.
Overview
Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful tropical cyclone of 2025, has struck southern China after causing severe destruction in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The Category 5 super typhoon brought catastrophic flooding, strong winds, and disruptions across the region.
Impact in Taiwan
- 17 people dead, 17 missing in Hualien County after a barrier lake overflowed, sending a destructive wall of water into a town.
- Torrential rains and flooding caused major damage and displacement.
Hong Kong Effects
- Severe flooding of roads, beaches, and hotels, including the Fullerton Hotel where seawater surged indoors.
- Flights were widely cancelled, and 50 temporary shelters were opened, housing 885 evacuees.
- At least 90 injuries reported.
- A woman and her 5-year-old son were swept into the ocean and are in intensive care.
- The Hong Kong typhoon signal was lowered from 8 to 3 as conditions improved.
Southern China Preparations and Impact
- Ragasa made landfall near Yangjiang in Guangdong Province and is moving toward Maoming, a major oil refining city.
- Guangdong issued its highest red storm surge warning, predicting waves up to 2.8 meters (9 feet).
- Over 2 million people evacuated across Guangdong province.
- The Pearl River Delta cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan) with nearly 50 million residents braced for the storm.
- Some economic impacts, including Zijin Gold International delaying a $3.2 billion IPO in Hong Kong.
- Shops and restaurants took protective measures, such as parking trucks in front of storefronts.
Climate Context
Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of typhoons in southern China, citing this summer’s record rainfall as a warning of future storms.
Regional Resilience
- The Pearl River Delta is among the best-prepared typhoon regions globally.
- Infrastructure resilience was shown as Hong Kong’s stock market remained open during the storm.
- Authorities have incorporated lessons from past damaging typhoons like Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018).