Super Typhoon Ragasa Floods Taiwan, Kills Two, Threatens Southern China

Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused catastrophic flooding and destruction across Taiwan, particularly in Hualien County, where a dam breach sent a torrent of water rushing through streets, destroying the Matai’an river bridge and forcing thousands to evacuate. The flooding submerged neighborhoods, resulted in at least two deaths, left 28 injured, and caused 30 people to go missing as rescue crews work to reach those trapped by floodwaters and damaged roads. The typhoon, packing winds up to 134 mph in Taiwan and up to 220 km/h near Hong Kong, has also disrupted over 700 flights and led to widespread closures of schools and businesses in Hong Kong and southern China, with authorities warning of severe storm surges comparable to previous devastating typhoons. Evacuations have been ordered in multiple townships in Taiwan and flood-prone areas in China, with officials urging residents to stay home and prepare for continued heavy rain and potential landslides. The storm initially struck the northern Philippines, prompting evacuations and government work halts, before moving towards China’s Guangdong province and impacting Hong Kong. Emergency operations remain ongoing as the region braces for further impacts from Ragasa's sustained intensity.