Typhoon Ragasa, strongest storm of the year, lashes Western Pacific, leaves dozens dead

Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm of the year, swept through parts of the Western Pacific, slamming into southern China after pummeling Taiwan and the Philippines and leaving at least 27 people dead. The storm was moving west across southern China toward Vietnam after touching down on Hailing Island in Guangdong province on Wednesday afternoon, with authorities reporting maximum gusts of 241 kph (150 mph) in Jiangmen earlier in the day. As Ragasa formed over Micronesia and traversed unusually warm ocean waters, it intensified into a powerful storm system, then was classified as a super typhoon earlier in the week with sustained winds reaching 265 kph (165 mph). Weather officials classify Western Pacific tropical cyclones by wind speed, with one-minute sustained winds of at least 241 kph (150 mph) marking a super typhoon. By Wednesday afternoon, Hong Kong authorities downgraded Ragasa from a super typhoon to a severe typhoon, though it still carried winds near its center of about 175 kph (109 mph) as it neared the Chinese coast. The storm was expected to weaken as it moved farther into southern China.

In Taiwan, Ragasa triggered dangerous flooding in several eastern communities, including Hualien County, where a barrier lake breached its banks and sent floodwaters surging into Guangfu township. Mud, silt and debris overwhelmed roads as torrents ripped through the landscape, destroying a bridge and turning routes into rushing channels that swept away vehicles and furniture. Authorities said at least 17 people had died in the floods, and another 17 remained unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations continued amid continuing rain and high water. In the township’s broader context, local media reported that more than half of Guangfu’s roughly 8,450 residents had sought safety on higher floors or higher ground on Wednesday morning.

In the northern Philippines, seven fishermen drowned after their boat was battered by large waves and strong winds off Santa Ana town in the Cagayan province, with three other people reported dead in the region and five others still missing, according to provincial officials. The rough seas and storm surge also disrupted coastal communities and contributed to logistical challenges for rescue efforts.

Across southern China, the effects of Ragasa prompted one of the largest evacuations in the region in years. In Guangdong province, nearly 1.9 million people were relocated from hazard zones as authorities canceled school sessions, factory operations and most forms of transportation in about a dozen cities. In Hong Kong, the storm left at least 80 people injured as strong winds toppled trees and damaged infrastructure; more than 700 flights were canceled, stranding travelers. Video from the hospitality sector showed water sweeping through doors of an oceanside hotel, underscoring the storm’s reach from coastal barriers to urban centers.

Authorities have stressed that Ragasa’s movement into the South China Sea region remains carefully monitored as the system weakens with its interaction with land and cooler waters. Meteorologists have noted that Ragasa’s strength was driven by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Western Pacific, a signal of the climate dynamics that can amplify storm systems in the region. The Chinese meteorological administration has dubbed Ragasa the “King of Storms” for its intensity, a label that underscores the scale of the event when measured against other storms this year.

As Ragasa continues its westward trajectory toward Vietnam, officials cautioned residents in coastal counties to heed evacuations, continue to monitor weather advisories and prepare for lingering threats of rain, flooding and high surf. The immediate priority remains rescuing those missing or stranded, restoring critical infrastructure, and ensuring adequate shelter and supplies for evacuees. While officials expect the storm to gradually weaken as it moves inland and encounters landmasses, the broader risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas persists in parts of southern China and nearby regions.