Typhoon Ragasa unleashes deadly floods in Taiwan, hurricane-force winds in Hong Kong, and threatens millions in China’s Guangdong province

Taiwan under water

In Taiwan, Ragasa’s outer bands never seemed to stop. Rain fell for days, pounding the island’s eastern mountains until rivers overflowed. Then, disaster struck. In Hualien district, a natural barrier gave way, releasing nearly 60 million tons of water. Guangfu township was hit hardest, entire streets swallowed by muddy torrents.

At least 14 people are confirmed dead. Another 124 are missing. Rescue crews are wading through floodwater and landslides, searching for survivors. “The water just came rushing down," one resident said. “We had no time to think."

Hong Kong locks down

By Wednesday, Ragasa had turned toward Hong Kong. Winds roared at nearly 200 kilometers per hour. Authorities issued the city’s top warning, signal number 10, and urged everyone indoors.

The city fell silent. Shops closed, buses stopped, and coastal neighborhoods braced as waves rose higher and higher. On the eastern waterfront, seawater pushed across roads and into ground floors. On Lantau Island, where Hong Kong International Airport sits, beaches were buried under churning water.

Supermarkets were stripped bare. Windows were taped. “The city went dark," one resident recalled, comparing the scene to past typhoons that caused billions in damage.

The Observatory warned seas could climb to four meters. Shelters opened their doors to those in need, housing more than 700 people by afternoon.

Macau and Guangdong brace

Across the Pearl River Delta, the storm’s reach only grew. In Macau, casinos were ordered shut, hotels locked down their guests, and streets emptied.

In mainland China, Guangdong province braced for the full force. State broadcaster CCTV reported more than 770,000 people evacuated before Ragasa’s arrival. Schools closed, trains were halted, and flights in Shenzhen and Guangzhou were canceled. Authorities warned of storm surges nearing three meters.

The Ministry of Emergency Management sent out tens of thousands of tents, beds, and generators. The cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan — home to almost 50 million people — lay directly in Ragasa’s path.

The storm keeps its strength

Despite passing over land in the Philippines and Taiwan, Ragasa refused to weaken. At sea, it remained a monster, still packing the punch of a supertyphoon.

By midday Wednesday, forecasters warned, Guangdong would face landfall. For millions across East Asia, Ragasa has already changed the week. For some, it has changed everything.