Typhoon Ragasa Slams Southern China After Deadly Taiwan Floods
GUANGDONG, CHINA – Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s strongest storm of 2024, has made landfall in southern China, forcing nearly two million people to evacuate as authorities brace for days of heavy rain and destruction.
The massive storm, which had earlier wreaked havoc in Taiwan, leaving at least 17 dead and many missing, hit China’s Guangdong province on Wednesday afternoon with sustained winds of 144 km/h (89 mph) and gusts reaching up to 241 km/h (150 mph).
From Super Typhoon to Severe Threat
Originally classified as a super typhoon – the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane – Ragasa was downgraded slightly before landfall but remains dangerously destructive. According to Chinese state media, the storm struck Hailing Island in Yangjiang City at around 5 p.m. local time (09:00 GMT).
Authorities issued red alerts for landslides in Guangdong’s mountainous regions as the typhoon continues to move westward, unleashing torrential rain and threatening widespread flooding. Major cities including Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou have been preparing for possible seawater intrusion. In Zhuhai, police used loudspeakers to urge residents to stay indoors for safety.
Taiwan’s Devastation Sparks Outcry
Taiwan is still reeling from Ragasa’s impact. On Tuesday, a barrier lake formed by a July landslide burst in Hualien County, unleashing what geologists described as a “mountain tsunami.” The sudden flood released an estimated 15.4 million tonnes of water — the equivalent of 6,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools — sweeping away bridges, submerging homes, and leaving residents stranded on rooftops.
At least 17 people have been confirmed dead, while others remain missing. Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-Tai has demanded an investigation into why evacuation orders were not fully carried out in affected areas.
Local residents described scenes of chaos. “It’s chaotic now. Mud, rocks, and water everywhere. Some areas are still flooded, and people are trapped,” said Wang Tse-an, chief of Dama township, home to 1,000 residents.
One shop owner in Guangfu, Awa, shared with the BBC: “I’m still in shock. Everything we knew was destroyed in just hours. Our community will take years to recover.”
Rescue operations continue, with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence deploying troops and setting up disaster response centres to assist survivors.
Hong Kong and Philippines Also Hit
Although Ragasa did not make landfall in Hong Kong, the city still endured powerful winds and heavy rainfall as the storm passed close by. The Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest-level storm warning (Signal 10), forcing schools and businesses to shut down. Flights were canceled, leaving thousands stranded, though authorities expect operations to resume by Thursday.
In the Philippines, Ragasa ripped through the remote northern islands earlier in the week, flooding towns, displacing thousands, and leaving at least eight people dead.
“King of Storms”
China’s Meteorological Administration has described Ragasa as the “King of Storms”, warning that despite weakening winds, the storm’s slow movement will bring prolonged, devastating rainfall across southern China.
As Ragasa moves inland, rescue teams remain on high alert, with fears of landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure damage across already vulnerable regions.