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Super Typhoon ‘Ragasa’ Floods Hong Kong, Death Toll Climbs in Taiwan
Super Typhoon Ragasa battered Hong Kong with torrential rain and hurricane-force winds, while in Taiwan the death toll rose to at least 14 people after a barrier lake burst in Hualien County, leaving more than 120 missing.
The sudden collapse of the barrier lake unleashed devastating floods toward Guangfu town, sweeping away roads, vehicles, and damaging bridges.
Rescue teams are searching door-to-door, as local authorities confirm 129–152 people are still unaccounted for.
In Hong Kong, the typhoon submerged coastal neighborhoods, uprooted trees, damaged buildings, and paralyzed city life.
Airports suspended operations, schools and businesses shut down, and thousands were moved into emergency shelters.
In southern China’s Guangdong province, over 100,000 residents were evacuated, with marine authorities warning of waves up to 2.8 meters.
The storm had earlier struck the Philippines, causing casualties among fishermen and widespread damage.
Ragasa has been described as the most powerful tropical cyclone of the year in the western Pacific.
Taiwan, despite strong disaster preparedness systems, faced criticism from residents who claimed early warning systems failed to prevent loss in Hualien.
Hong Kong and mainland China, though equipped with robust infrastructure, struggled against record-breaking winds and storm surges, highlighting the growing challenges of extreme weather.
