Typhoon Ragasa: Reservoir bursts in Taiwan, floods in China.

Typhoon Ragasa: The strongest typhoon of 2025

On September 24th, Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical storm of the year so far, swept across the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and southern China. With fierce winds, prolonged heavy rain, and flash floods, the storm left devastating consequences for tens of millions of people.

Taiwan: Reservoir bursts, hundreds missing.

In Hualien County, Taiwan, heavy rains caused severe landslides and led to the rupture of a massive reservoir. The rushing water swept away bridges, trees, and vehicles, killing at least 14 people and leaving 124 missing.

This reservoir has a capacity of up to 91 million tons of water, equivalent to 36,000 Olympic swimming pools. When it overflowed, it released approximately 60 million tons of water, causing widespread flooding.

The Taiwanese authorities urgently deployed 340 soldiers to assist in rescue efforts. In Guangfu Township alone, nearly 60% of the population was forced to take shelter on the upper floors of their homes, while the rest had to temporarily stay with relatives. Images of soldiers using armored vehicles to knock on doors distributing water and instant noodles show how severely people's lives have been disrupted.

Hong Kong city paralyzed by super typhoon.

Hong Kong issued a Category 10 storm warning in the early hours of September 24. Authorities opened 49 shelters, accommodating over 730 residents. More than 120 incidents of fallen trees and minor landslides were reported, and many coastal areas were submerged.

Over 500 flights were canceled, and schools and businesses were forced to close. Before the storm arrived, scenes of people frantically shopping left shelves empty.

Macau and southern China: Millions evacuated.

Macau also issued a level 10 storm warning, forcing many casinos to close and tourists to stay in their hotels. In Guangdong, more than 770,000 people were urgently evacuated. Major cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan – home to around 50 million people – were severely affected.

High-speed rail, schools, and air travel have all been suspended. Many international flights, including those of Singapore Airlines, have been canceled. Authorities are preparing tents, folding beds, and essential supplies for emergency response.

Typhoon Ragasa has killed at least 17 people across the region and displaced more than 1 million. With its devastating power, Ragasa serves as a stark warning about the fragility of infrastructure and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in Asia.