Dozens Injured as Super Typhoon Ragasa Slams Hong Kong, Dozens Killed in Chinese Taiwan
Hong Kong & Southern China / Chinese Taiwan, Sept 24, 2025 – Super Typhoon Ragasa—already regarded as one of the strongest tropical cyclones of 2025—has wrought widespread damage across East Asia. Dozens of injuries have been reported in Hong Kong, while in Chinese Taiwan the storm triggered catastrophic flooding after a natural lake barrier overflowed, killing at least 17 people. The typhoon has since made landfall in southern China, where mass evacuations and preparations are underway.
What Happened: Key Facts & Timeline
Chinese Taiwan: Barrier Lake Bursts, Toll Rises
In Hualien County, a barrier lake (a natural lake formed behind debris or landslide dams) burst under the stress of torrential rainfall. The overflow released about 60 million tonnes of water—roughly three-quarters of the lake's volume—into nearby valleys, triggering flash floods that devastated communities.
As of the latest reports, 17 people have died, dozens more are injured, and around 17 are still missing.
Many residents in the town of Guangfu and surrounding areas complained that warnings were late or insufficient, especially given the rapid nature of the flooding.
The Chinese Taiwan Premier called for an inquiry into evacuation procedures and alerted authorities to improve early warning systems in future storms.
Hong Kong: Injuries, Disruptions, and Flooding
Hong Kong faced violent winds and storm surges. Waves crashed over coastal promenades, flooding roads and residential areas.
Infrastructure was hit hard: glass doors shattered at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, allowing floodwaters to surge into the lobby.
The Hong Kong Observatory raised the Typhoon Signal No. 10 (the highest level) in the early hours of September 24, before gradually downgrading to No. 8 in the afternoon and then No. 3 in the evening.
At least 62 people were injured in Hong Kong due to falling debris, broken glass, and storm-related accidents.
More than 700 flights were canceled across Hong Kong, Macau, and Chinese Taiwan in anticipation of the storm.
Over 50 temporary shelters were opened in Hong Kong, with hundreds of residents taking refuge.
Mainland China: Landfall and Evacuations
Ragasa made landfall on Hailing Island, near Yangjiang in Guangdong province, with sustained winds of about 144 km/h and gusts reaching up to 241 km/h.
Authorities in Guangdong province have evacuated nearly 1.9 million residents from coastal areas.
In many southern Chinese cities, schools and offices were closed, and public transportation halted.
The China Marine Authority issued a red wave warning—its highest alert—for the first time this year.
Why This Storm Has Been Particularly Destructive
Rapid intensification: Ragasa quickly strengthened into a Category 5 / super typhoon over the western Pacific, aided by warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions.
Geographic vulnerability: Chinese Taiwan's mountainous terrain and steep river valleys make it susceptible to landslides and flash floods, especially when natural dams are present.
Barrier lake hazard: The presence of a barrier lake that had already formed earlier this year made the situation worse. When its dam-like structure failed under heavy inflows, the sudden surge delivered catastrophic flooding.
Scale and path: Ragasa's trajectory placed it over densely populated or infrastructure-rich zones—Hong Kong, coastal Guangdong, and Chinese Taiwan's eastern coast—magnifying its potential for damage.
What the Situation Looks Like Now & What's Next
In Hong Kong, the storm has begun to pass. The observatory has downgraded signals, but residual high winds and hidden hazards (e.g. loose power lines) remain.
Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing in Chinese Taiwan, especially in flood-hit Hualien County, where communities are trying to reach those trapped by water or debris.
Mainland China continues large‐scale evacuations and structural protection efforts, including strengthening river embankments, clearing debris, and ensuring emergency supplies.
Meteorologists expect Ragasa to weaken gradually as it moves inland, though heavy rains and flooding may persist, especially across southern China's interior and reaching toward Vietnam and Laos.
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