Typhoon Ragasa is moving toward China after leaving destruction in Taiwan and Hong Kong, with at least 14 people confirmed dead in Taiwan and over 120 still missing in Hualien County.
The disaster in Taiwan grew worse after a barrier lake overflowed, sending a surge of water into the town of Guangfu. Many residents have criticized the lack of early warnings, as the storm’s heavy rains battered the island from Monday.
In Hong Kong, massive waves struck the coastline, flooding roads, homes, and hotels. At one resort in the southern part of the city, floodwater was seen pouring through glass doors into the lobby. Local authorities confirmed that more than 50 people were injured, while nearly 800 residents took shelter in emergency centers. The city lowered its typhoon signal on Wednesday afternoon but maintained restrictions as flooding risks remained. A mother and her young son were swept into the sea during the storm; both are receiving intensive care.
Macau, close to Hong Kong, also shut down casino operations, sealing doors to keep guests safe from strong winds and debris. Social media clips showed hotel doors being reinforced as water and wind surged outside.
China’s southern coast is now preparing for Ragasa’s landfall. The storm, which weakened from a Category 5 super typhoon to a Category 3 system, is still strong enough to topple trees, cut power, and damage buildings. Chinese authorities evacuated more than 770,000 residents in Guangdong province and sent rescue supplies, including tents and lighting equipment, ahead of the typhoon’s arrival.
Ragasa is expected to sweep across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan, cities with a combined population of about 50 million people. Businesses have taken unusual steps to protect property, with some shops using rented trucks to block storm surges. Despite the dangers, some residents were seen venturing outdoors to witness the storm before police moved them away for safety.
China’s marine authority issued its highest wave alert of the year, warning of surges up to nine feet, especially in Shenzhen’s low-lying areas. The storm has already disrupted financial activities, forcing Zijin Gold International to delay its $3.2 billion Hong Kong IPO.
Authorities warn that Ragasa could continue to bring destructive winds, flooding, and storm surges through Thursday, as the system makes landfall along the crowded Pearl River Delta.