More than 2 million people evacuated in Guangdong as Ragasa made landfall in Yangjiang on Wednesday.
Ragasa makes landfall in Guangdong after killing in Taiwan and battering Hong Kong with fierce winds and rain
The world’s strongest cyclone this year hit southern China after killing at least 15 people in Taiwan and pounding Hong Kong with huge waves and flooding.
It came ashore near Yangjiang, Guangdong, with power still strong enough to topple trees and lines.
Earlier, Taiwan’s Hualien county reported 17 missing after a barrier lake overflowed and sent a wall of water into a town.
However, later on Wednesday, Premier Cho Jung-tai said 129 people remained missing and ordered an inquiry into evacuation failures.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong reported at least 90 injuries and opened 50 shelters that housed 885 people.
Evacuations, injuries, and closures mount as authorities race to protect lives and property across the region
Chinese state media said evacuations in Guangdong topped 2 million, while emergency agencies sent tents, folding beds, and lighting gear.
In parallel, some shops parked rented trucks as makeshift shields against flying debris.
Hong Kong’s observatory lowered its typhoon signal from 8 to 3 on Wednesday afternoon after the storm skirted about 100 km to the south with sustained winds near 195 kph.
At the same time, Macau shuttered casino gaming floors, and videos showed doors sealed against gales.
Offshore and along shorelines, waves surged over walkways and submerged sections of roads and residential areas.
Rapid intensification, regional disruptions, and rising questions about preparedness and next steps
Ragasa formed over the western Pacific last week and rapidly strengthened to Category 5 on Monday, with winds above 260 kph before easing.
Even so, airlines preemptively relocated or grounded roughly 80% of Hong Kong–based fleets across Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Across the region, leaders now face a dual task: restore services quickly and, crucially, review warning systems and evacuation plans so communities are better protected before the next storm arrives.
Read more: SBP launches ‘Mera Ghar Mera Aashiana’ housing loan scheme
