Taipei/Beijing: At least 14 people have died and 18 others sustained injuries in Taiwan after Super Typhoon Ragasa battered the island with torrential rain and violent winds, causing widespread destruction and disruptions to daily life.
As the storm moves northwest, authorities in China’s Guangdong province — one of the country’s most critical economic zones — have evacuated more than 1 million residents ahead of the typhoon’s expected landfall later on Wednesday.
Local media and government agencies have described Typhoon Ragasa as the most powerful storm projected to hit the southern Chinese coast this year, warning of extensive damage and potential loss of life if emergency measures are not followed.
Taiwan Faces Wrath of the Storm
In Taiwan, the typhoon made its impact felt early Tuesday, ripping through the central and southern parts of the island. Strong winds uprooted trees, damaged buildings, and knocked out power lines, leaving tens of thousands without electricity. Emergency responders have been deployed across affected regions to clear debris and assist in rescue operations.
Taiwanese disaster management officials confirmed the death toll at 14, with many fatalities linked to falling trees, collapsed structures, and flash flooding. Eighteen others were hospitalized, some in critical condition.
Public transportation was severely impacted, with dozens of flights canceled and train services suspended in several cities. Schools and businesses in vulnerable areas remained closed as a precaution.
China on High Alert
Meanwhile, across the Taiwan Strait, China is ramping up emergency preparations as Ragasa inches closer to the mainland. The storm is expected to strike the Guangdong coastline, a densely populated and industrially vital region that includes major cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
The China Meteorological Administration has issued red alerts — the highest level of warning — for multiple provinces along the southern coast. Meteorologists warn that Ragasa could bring wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h, along with dangerous storm surges and widespread flooding.
In anticipation of the typhoon’s arrival, local authorities in Guangdong have coordinated the evacuation of over one million people from low-lying and high-risk zones. Ports have suspended operations, schools have been ordered shut, and emergency shelters have been opened across several districts.
Economic Concerns Loom
Guangdong is one of China’s most important manufacturing and export hubs, home to major global supply chains in electronics, textiles, and consumer goods. With Ragasa threatening to disrupt both production and logistics, economic analysts are closely monitoring the situation.
“This storm has the potential to significantly impact export activity in the region, particularly if factory operations are halted for an extended period,” said Chen Liang, a logistics analyst based in Shenzhen.
Storm Season Intensifies in Asia-Pacific
Ragasa is the 18th named typhoon of the season in the western Pacific and is quickly becoming one of the most destructive. It follows a string of extreme weather events across East Asia in recent months, which scientists increasingly attribute to climate change intensifying tropical storm activity.
Weather officials are urging the public to stay indoors, stock up on essentials, and follow real-time updates as the situation develops.
As the storm continues its trajectory, both Taiwan and mainland China remain on edge, hoping that proactive measures will minimize further casualties and damage.
