The BRICS TimesSuper Typhoon Ragasa has caused massive destruction across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. Moving at 205 km/h, it has claimed 14 lives in Taiwan and left 124 missing. Hong Kong and the Philippines have also faced severe losses. China evacuated millions and closed schools in several cities as a precautionary measure.
The world’s most dangerous typhoon, Ragasa, is currently leaving a trail of destruction. Its impact spans from Hong Kong and Taiwan to mainland China. Ragasa has become so powerful that it is advancing at a speed of 205 kilometers per hour. Intense winds and torrential rains have brought Hong Kong to a standstill. Scenes of devastation are visible across the region from Hong Kong to China.
In Taiwan, the typhoon has already claimed 14 lives. Floods caused by Ragasa have killed 14 people, while 124 others remain missing. The Philippines reported three fatalities due to the storm. Residents in Hong Kong woke up to strong winds today. The violent gusts uprooted numerous trees and damaged homes. Water has inundated areas around two rivers and the coastline. So far, 13 people have been injured in Hong Kong and are receiving hospital treatment.
Destruction in Hong Kong
The situation in Hong Kong has worsened due to Super Typhoon Ragasa. According to the meteorological department, Ragasa will pass closest to the city between 6 am and 9 am on Wednesday. Overnight, conditions deteriorated rapidly as winds surged, initially affecting coastal and elevated areas. The observatory warned, “Continuous heavy rainfall, strong winds, high waves on coasts, and rising water levels could pose extreme dangers.” Residents are advised to stay indoors.
The city had already taken several preventive measures. On Tuesday, around 600 flights were canceled, and all schools were closed in preparation for the typhoon.
Alert in China
Authorities in China have also taken precautionary steps in anticipation of the storm. In Guangdong province, considered the country’s economic powerhouse, over one million people have been moved to safe locations. According to the national weather agency, Super Typhoon Ragasa could hit between Taishan and Zhangjiang cities from Wednesday afternoon to evening. As a preventive measure, schools, factories, and transportation services in a dozen cities have been suspended.
People and officials in southern China are preparing for Ragasa’s full impact. Experts describe it as the strongest typhoon to strike this region in recent years.
The National Meteorological Center of China said, “Wind speeds could reach up to 200 km/h, rainfall may measure 25 to 45 cm (9 to 17 inches), and waves could rise as high as 7 meters (23 feet).” So far, over 371,000 people across the province have been relocated to safety.
Origin of the Typhoon
According to Earth Observatory, Typhoon Ragasa formed on September 18 in the western Pacific Ocean, a few hundred miles east of the Philippines. It rapidly intensified into a Category-5 super typhoon. By the night of September 21, its sustained winds reached 145 knots (270 km/h or 165 mph). On September 22, it severely affected northern Luzon in the Philippines, causing flooding and significant damage to crops and property. Experts had already named it the most powerful typhoon of 2025 on September 21.
Akshay Didwaniya
