Typhoon Ragasa: A Devastating Storm Sweeps Across Asia
A powerful typhoon, known as Ragasa in the region, has wreaked havoc across parts of Asia, causing widespread destruction and prompting emergency responses. The storm has impacted multiple countries, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China, with its effects expected to linger for days.
Impact on the Philippines
Typhoon Ragasa first made landfall in the northern Philippines, where it was classified as a super typhoon. The storm brought sustained winds exceeding 267 kilometers per hour (165 mph), equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. The devastation was immediate, with reports of damaged homes, flooded areas, and landslides. In the Babuyan Islands, the extent of the damage remains unclear, but local authorities have warned of life-threatening conditions.
On Calayan Island in Cagayan, images showed roofs ripped from homes, fallen trees, and boats washed ashore. Search and rescue teams recovered three bodies after a large wave overturned a fishing boat, with six people rescued and four still missing. Agricultural workers were particularly affected, with many losing their livelihoods due to the destruction.
Effects on Taiwan
In Taiwan, the typhoon caused significant damage, with at least 14 people killed when a barrier lake breached in Hualien. The breach led to widespread flooding, and video footage captured a large bridge collapsing. Authorities reported several injuries, landslides, and fallen trees. The storm also disrupted transportation, with flights canceled and schools closed.
Response in Hong Kong and Southern China
Hong Kong and southern China have been placed on high alert as Typhoon Ragasa approaches. The city issued its highest typhoon warning signal, T10, with sustained winds reaching 118 kilometers per hour (73 mph). The Hong Kong Observatory warned of “phenomenal” ocean swells and storm surges of up to 4 meters in some areas.
Entire megacities in Guangdong, one of the most populous regions in the world, have been brought to a standstill. Schools and businesses were shut down, public transport halted, and thousands of residents were evacuated from low-lying and coastal areas. Guangzhou issued its highest red alert, while Shenzhen prepared to relocate 400,000 people.
Supermarkets in Hong Kong saw empty shelves as residents stocked up on supplies. Flights were disrupted across the region, with major airlines like Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines canceling numerous flights. The mega bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai was also closed as a precaution.
Human Toll and Rescue Efforts
The human toll of the storm has been significant. In Hong Kong, three people were rescued from the sea after a five-year-old boy and a woman were swept away by waves. The boy’s father jumped into the water to save them, and a passing sailor helped rescue the pair. All three are receiving medical treatment.
In the Philippines, search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to save those trapped by the storm. Video footage showed teams rescuing families from heavy winds and torrential rain, while excavators cleared debris from mud-caked roads. Over 24,000 people were evacuated across northern and central Luzon ahead of the storm.
Ongoing Threats and Future Outlook
Despite weakening slightly, Typhoon Ragasa remains a powerful storm, with sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (135 mph) at its center. The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest, making landfall in western portions of Guangdong on Wednesday afternoon. Heavy rainfall, exceeding 200 mm (8 inches), is anticipated, increasing the risk of flooding and further landslides.
As the storm continues its path, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The full extent of the damage will become clearer in the coming days, but the impact of Typhoon Ragasa has already been felt across the region.
