Typhoon Ragasa Claims Lives Across Taiwan and Philippines

Deadly Typhoon Ravages Southeast Asia

Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season, has left a trail of destruction across Taiwan and the Philippines, with at least 24 confirmed fatalities and over 120 people reported missing. The storm is now approaching southern China, where massive evacuations are underway.

Taiwan Hit Hardest

In Taiwan, the typhoon claimed at least 14 lives when it struck on Monday. The storm caused a mountain reservoir to overflow, sending torrents of water flooding into Guangfu township and catching residents by surprise. Rescue operations continue as authorities search for more than 120 missing individuals.

"The water came so suddenly, we had no time to prepare," said one survivor from Guangfu who wished to remain anonymous.

Philippines Suffers Coastal Damage

In the northern Philippines, at least ten people lost their lives, including several fishermen who were caught off guard by massive waves. More than 17,500 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to widespread flooding.

China Braces for Impact

Typhoon Ragasa is currently moving westward approximately 140 kilometers from Hong Kong, with the entire southern China region, Taiwan, and Hainan province experiencing heavy cloud cover, strong wind gusts, and torrential rain. According to Chinese state media, one million people have already been evacuated in Guangdong province, where all train services have been suspended.

China correspondent Laura van Megen reported: "In Shenzhen, local authorities have ordered businesses, schools, and factories to close, and public transportation has been halted. However, on Chinese social media, there are many complaints that people are being ordered by their supervisors to come to work anyway."

One social media user wrote: "I want to report my boss to the authorities because he ordered us to come to work. But I'm afraid the company can see it was my phone number." The user later added: "I reported my boss anyway."

Hong Kong and Macau Prepare

In Hong Kong and Macau, schools have closed and flights have been canceled as the typhoon approaches. Hundreds of residents have sought refuge in temporary shelters. The Hong Kong Observatory reported Ragasa passing about 100 kilometers south of the financial center with maximum wind speeds reaching 195 kilometers per hour.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Typhoon Ragasa is expected to make landfall between Taishan and Zhanjiang cities between 06:00 and 18:00 Dutch time. The storm represents one of the most significant weather events of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season, which has seen below-average activity according to seasonal forecasts from the Tropical Storm Risk Consortium.