Typhoon Ragasa makes landfall in Southern China, bringing severe winds and flooding

Beijing: Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms in recent years, made landfall on Wednesday evening between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang in southern China, according to the national weather agency.

The powerful typhoon, which caused deadly damage in Taiwan and the Philippines, unleashed intense winds, towering waves, and heavy rains along the southern Chinese coast.

"Ragasa made landfall along the coast of Hailing Island, Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province around 5 pm (0900 GMT) on September 24," state broadcaster CCTV said.

In Guangdong province, nearly 1.9 million people were evacuated as precautionary measures against Typhoon Ragasa’s landfall. A weather station in Chuandao town recorded maximum wind gusts reaching 241 kph (about 150 mph), marking the strongest in Jiangmen city’s history. Coastal cities like Zhuhai experienced massive waves crashing along the shoreline, while strong gusts toppled trees and scattered debris across urban areas.

The typhoon’s fierce winds woke Hong Kong residents early Wednesday, causing damage and disruption. Residents reported seeing ventilation fans ripped away and cranes swaying dangerously. In Hong Kong, parts of a pedestrian bridge’s roof were blown off, hundreds of trees fell, and a vessel crashed ashore, breaking glass railings. Flooding was reported in riverside promenades, cycling lanes, and playgrounds, with over 80 people injured and treated at hospitals.

A viral video showed waves flooding a hotel lobby in Hong Kong, causing extensive interior damage. Staff were seen cleaning up the aftermath as the city braced for the typhoon’s impact.

Hong Kong and Macao responded to Typhoon Ragasa with school and flight cancellations, shop closures, and emergency shelters opening for displaced residents. Floodwaters transformed Macao streets into flowing streams littered with debris, and rescue teams used inflatable boats to assist trapped citizens. Local power companies cut electricity in flooded, low-lying areas for safety.

Hong Kong Observatory reported that Ragasa’s maximum sustained winds near its center were about 195 kph (120 mph), narrowly missing super typhoon status. The typhoon is the strongest tropical cyclone recorded this year in the northwestern Pacific and South China Sea, tying as the second-strongest on record since 1950 alongside typhoons Saola (2023) and Yagi (2024).

Before reaching China, Typhoon Ragasa wreaked havoc in Taiwan and the northern Philippines. In Taiwan’s Hualien County, 15 people died after a barrier lake overflowed, flooding Guangfu township and destroying a key bridge. Many residents sought refuge on higher floors and elevated ground. Rescuers have contacted most residents but are still searching for 17 missing persons. Thirty-two people were injured across the island.

In the Philippines, at least 10 deaths were reported, including seven fishermen who drowned after their boat capsized off Santa Ana town in Cagayan province. Five other fishermen remain missing. Nearly 700,000 people were affected, with 25,000 seeking shelter in government emergency centers.

Authorities continue to monitor Typhoon Ragasa’s progress as it moves inland, warning of ongoing flooding and damage risks.