Ragasa devastates Taiwan, Philippines and China before weakening over Vietnam

Taiwan’s deadly floods

Taiwan is still reeling after Super Typhoon Ragasa unleashed days of torrential rain on the island’s east. In Hualien County, a barrier lake collapsed, sending a wall of water into Guangfu township. Streets became rivers. A bridge was torn apart. Homes filled with mud and debris.

Authorities confirmed 14 dead, a number revised down from 17 after double-counting, with 22 people still missing. Many of the victims were elderly residents who could not evacuate in time. “They had difficulty walking," a Hualien official explained.

The tragedy has raised questions about evacuation orders, with some told simply to move to upper floors. “Beyond mourning the victims, we must investigate the causes of death, which predominantly occurred on the first floors," Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai said.

Eyewitnesses from indigenous communities described gaps in communication. “Some of them are not familiar with using cellphones," said Chang Chih-hsiung of the Amis group. “People did not think it was that serious until it happened."

Philippines battered by sea and wind

Ragasa first struck the northern Philippines with full force. At least 11 people died, including seven fishermen who drowned when their boat capsized off Cagayan province. Two more remain missing.

In coastal villages, waves toppled fishing boats and winds ripped roofs from homes. Landslides were reported in Luzon, and thousands were forced to evacuate.

China faces flooding and mass evacuations

By midweek, Ragasa reached southern China. Guangdong province bore the brunt. More than 2 million people were evacuated before the storm’s arrival.

In Zhuhai, entire streets disappeared under floodwater. Rescuers maneuvered inflatable boats past submerged cars and waterlogged homes. In Yangjiang, over 10,000 trees were toppled, their branches floating in streets turned to rivers. Crews with excavators worked through the night to clear the damage.

Nearly half a million households lost electricity, and more than a third were still without power on Thursday morning. In Shenzhen and Guangzhou, flights and train services were suspended, businesses shuttered, and schools closed as winds topping 160 kilometers per hour swept through.

Ragasa weakens over Vietnam

By Thursday, Ragasa crossed into northeastern Vietnam, downgraded to a tropical depression but still dangerous. Sustained winds weakened to 55 kilometers per hour, yet sheets of rain continued to fall.

Authorities warned of flash floods, landslides, and inundated farmland in northern provinces. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính ordered protection of hospitals, dams, and critical infrastructure, while flights were canceled and rescue teams stood on alert.

Vietnamese officials also tracked another looming system, storm Bualoi, expected to strike the Philippines and possibly intensify before nearing central Vietnam.

A storm remembered

From the Philippines to Taiwan, and across the Chinese coast into Vietnam, Ragasa left a mark measured in broken bridges, overturned boats, flooded streets, and grieving families. It began the week as the strongest cyclone on Earth in 2025, with winds of 265 kilometers per hour. By week’s end, it was a weakening depression, but the scars it left will take far longer to fade.