14 Dead, 124 Missing: Ragasa Floods Taiwan in an Unbelievable Disaster

Nature’s fury has struck East Asia in the form of Super Typhoon Ragasa. Taiwan is reeling after the storm triggered a deadly tidal wave and floods, killing at least 14 people and leaving over a hundred missing. With wind speeds up to 220 km/h, the typhoon is now heading toward Hong Kong and southern China, threatening to disrupt millions of lives and paralyze entire cities.

1. Tragic Floods in Taiwan

The hardest-hit area is Guangfu township in Hualien County. Landslides caused a natural reservoir to overflow, washing away homes, roads, and even bridges.

• Casualties: 14 confirmed dead, 124 still missing.

• Villager’s Horror: Wang Tse-an, village chief, described the chaos: "Mud and rocks are everywhere. Our entire village was flooded."

• Rescue Efforts: Emergency teams have been deployed nationwide to save trapped residents.

  

  

  

2. The Storm’s Path Toward China

Ragasa is moving west, heading for the South China coast and Hong Kong. Authorities have issued urgent warnings as the typhoon threatens to bring record-breaking winds and rain.

• Hong Kong Preparations: Schools, factories, and shops closed; hundreds of flights canceled. Residents barricaded streets to protect against debris.

• Guangdong Evacuations: Over a million people relocated in southern China, with emergency shelters opened across affected cities.

  

3. Understanding Super Typhoons

Super typhoons are among the most powerful tropical cyclones in the world.

• Definition: Winds exceeding 240 km/h in the Northwest Pacific.

• Frequency: The Philippines alone experiences around 20 typhoons yearly.

• Climate Change Impact: Storms are forming closer to coastlines, gaining strength faster, and lingering over land longer.

4. Human and Infrastructure Impact

Ragasa has caused widespread damage beyond just flooding.

• Destroyed Infrastructure: Bridges washed away, roofs torn off, trees uprooted.

• Transportation Chaos: Hundreds of flights canceled in Hong Kong; public transport halted.

• Community Displacement: Emergency shelters housing thousands as authorities work to minimize casualties.

5. The Road Ahead

Meteorologists warn that Ragasa could become one of the most destructive typhoons in recent memory for Hong Kong and southern China.

• Ongoing Warnings: Highest alert levels declared in multiple cities.

• Emergency Measures: Authorities continue evacuation orders and public advisories.

• Preparedness: Residents urged to stay indoors, secure property, and monitor updates closely.