Typhoon Ragasa: Taiwan reservoir bursts, China flooded
Typhoon Ragasa sweeps through Asia, causing heavy damage, reservoir bursts in Taiwan, millions evacuated and severe flooding in China.
Storm Ragasa: Strongest storm of 2025
On September 24, Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical storm of the year, swept through the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and southern China. With fierce winds, prolonged heavy rains and flash floods, the storm left severe consequences for tens of millions of people.
Taiwan: Reservoir burst, hundreds missing
In Hualien County, Taiwan, heavy rains triggered massive landslides and caused a massive reservoir to burst. The torrent swept away bridges, trees and vehicles, leaving at least 14 people dead and 124 missing.
The reservoir has a capacity of 91 million tons of water, equivalent to 36,000 Olympic swimming pools. When it overflowed, it released about 60 million tons of water, causing widespread flooding.
The Taiwanese government urgently mobilized 340 soldiers to assist in the rescue. In Quang Phuc town alone, nearly 60% of the population was forced to take shelter on the upper floors of their houses, while the rest had to temporarily stay at relatives' homes. Images of soldiers using armored vehicles to knock on doors to hand out water and instant noodles showed that people's lives were seriously disrupted.
Hong Kong city paralyzed in super typhoon
Hong Kong issued a level 10 storm warning in the early morning of September 24. Authorities opened 49 shelters, taking in more than 730 people. More than 120 cases of fallen trees and minor landslides were reported, and many coastal areas were submerged.
More than 500 flights were canceled, schools and businesses were closed. Before the storm, panic buying left store shelves empty.
Macau and southern China: Millions evacuated
Macau also issued a level 10 storm warning, forcing many casinos to close and forcing tourists to stay in their hotels. In Guangdong, more than 770,000 people were urgently evacuated. Major cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan - home to about 50 million people - were all severely affected.
High-speed rail, schools, and air traffic have all been suspended. Many international flights, including those of Singapore Airlines, have been canceled. Authorities have had to prepare tents, folding beds, and necessities 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 has become a warning about the fragility of infrastructure and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in Asia.
