Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most formidable tropical storm this year, struck Hong Kong with powerful winds and intense rainfall on Wednesday, leading to the issuance of the highest-level typhoon warning by local authorities. Meanwhile, devastating heavy rains in Taiwan caused the deaths of 14 individuals.
In Taiwan, the eastern county of Hualien faced a significant overflow of a barrier lake, which led to a torrent of water inundating a local town, further exacerbated by the rain brought by Ragasa’s peripheral effects since Monday. In Hong Kong, massive waves overwhelmed parts of the city, submerging roads near residential areas as the storm approached, with wind speeds recorded up to 200 kilometers per hour.
One particular instance captured global attention: the Fullerton Hotel on the island’s south had its glass doors shattered by a surge of seawater, with similar scenes unfolding throughout Tsuen Kwan O and other coastal regions. Lantau Island, home to the city’s international airport, faced extensive flooding, covering beaches and nearby vegetation. The Hong Kong Observatory warned that areas once considered safe may become exposed as the typhoon disturbance pushed swells to dangerous levels.
As the storm loomed closer—anticipated to be within 100 kilometers south of Hong Kong—residents took precautionary measures, such as taping windows to mitigate the risk from shattered glass. Following the severe weather forecasts, businesses and transport services were shuttered as part of safety protocols. Hong Kong issued its maximum typhoon signal 10 early on Wednesday, recommending extensive safety measures and highlighting the expected continuation of heavy rain, with streets already partly flooded.
Authorities have drawn parallels to past typhoons Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018, both of which inflicted considerable financial damage, anticipating similar spikes in sea levels reaching up to four meters by noon. Tragically, a woman and her young son were swept away by the ocean while observing the storm from the waterfront; both were rescued and are in intensive care.
The destructive power of Typhoon Ragasa underscores the growing challenges posed by intense tropical storms in the region, necessitating robust disaster preparedness and response strategies. As Hong Kong and Taiwan grapple with the aftermath, the resilience and spirit of the affected communities and the importance of heeding weather warnings are once again highlighted.