Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China, leaving behind a trail of devastation in Taiwan where at least 17 people have perished following severe flooding. In advance of Ragasa's arrival, nearly two million individuals have been evacuated in southern Chinese provinces, raising concerns over potential disaster outcomes.
The storm, which was downgraded but remains highly destructive, boasts top winds of 241 km/h (150 mph) as it made landfall on Hailing Island, Guangdong. This powerful cyclone is described as having winds comparable to a Category 5 hurricane.
Prior to reaching China, Ragasa caused injuries to 90 individuals in Hong Kong where it skirted the coastline, forcing authorities to issue emergency warnings. The storm's strong winds led to damage and disruption, grounding flights and resulting in the closure of schools and businesses.
As the storm moved across Taiwan, it revealed the damage wrought by the bursting of a barrier lake, with estimates indicating around 15.4 million tonnes of water were released, flooding towns and leaving many residents stranded in impacted areas.
Taiwan's Premier has demanded an inquiry into the inadequacies of evacuation protocols, which allowed a disaster to unfold, exacerbating human suffering. Reports describe the flooding as chaotic, with communities left to navigate extensive debris and severe infrastructural damage.
Current assessments indicate that the storm is expected to remain impactful as it travels over land, with torrential rain forecasted for the region. Local governments are mobilizing resources to address the ongoing crisis and assist affected communities, particularly among indigenous tribes who are often the hardest hit during such natural disasters.
