Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful tropical storm of the year, pummeled Hong Kong on Wednesday with fierce winds and torrential rain, prompting local authorities to issue the highest-level typhoon warning. Meanwhile, Taiwan has suffered devastating heavy rains resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals.
In Taiwan’s Hualien County, a significant overflow from a barrier lake unleashed a torrent of water that inundated a local town. The situation was aggravated by the heavy rains brought on by the peripheral effects of Ragasa since Monday. As the typhoon neared Hong Kong, the city experienced towering waves that engulfed parts of the urban landscape, submerging roads near residential areas. Wind speeds have been recorded at up to 200 kilometers per hour.
A particularly dramatic moment that grabbed international attention involved the Fullerton Hotel on Hong Kong Island’s south coast, where a seawater surge shattered the glass doors. Similar scenes were reported in Tsuen Kwan O and other coastal areas. Lantau Island, which hosts the city’s international airport, experienced severe flooding with beaches and vegetation submerged. The Hong Kong Observatory warned that previously secure areas might now be at risk as the storm swelled to perilous levels.
As Ragasa advanced closer, anticipated to be within 100 kilometers south of Hong Kong, residents took precautions such as taping windows to prevent glass shattering. Businesses and transport services halted operations as part of stringent safety protocols. Early Wednesday, Hong Kong raised its maximum typhoon signal 10, urging widespread safety measures due to expected persistent heavy rainfall and partial street flooding.
Authorities have drawn comparisons to past typhoons such as Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018, both causing considerable financial damage. Anticipated sea level spikes of up to four meters were expected by noon. A tragic incident saw a woman and her young son swept away by waves while watching the storm from the waterfront; both were rescued and are currently in intensive care.
The destructive force of Typhoon Ragasa highlights the escalating challenges posed by severe tropical storms in the region, underscoring the need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. As Hong Kong and Taiwan deal with the impacts, the resilience of these communities and the importance of paying heed to weather warnings remain crucial.