Punchline: Typhoon Ragasa — Taiwan battles unprecedented flooding as Ragasa roars ashore.
“On September 24, 2025, Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the year, devastated large parts of East Asia, with Taiwan facing catastrophic destruction.”Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of 2025, has devastated large parts of East Asia, with Taiwan facing catastrophic destruction. Ragasa made landfall in Taiwan’s eastern Hualien County, unleashing over 70 cm of rain in just two days. This unprecedented rainfall led to the overflow of the Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake, releasing an estimated 60 million tonnes of water into Guangfu Township.
Heart-stopping video footage shows torrents of floodwater sweeping away vehicles and collapsing a key road bridge in Guangfu Township.
The bridge collapse has severely disrupted transportation, isolating entire communities and cutting off access to essential supplies, emergency services, and medical aid. Local authorities describe the situation as one of the most serious natural disasters the region has faced in decades.
More than 5,000 residents have sought refuge on higher floors of buildings, with families clutching belongings and essentials to survive the rising waters. Taiwanese emergency services, supported by 340 military troops, have been working around the clock to conduct rescue and relief operations. However, the evacuation process remains challenging, particularly for vulnerable groups including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in remote areas.
Ragasa’s destructive reach has extended far beyond Taiwan’s borders. In Hong Kong, hurricane-force winds and torrential rains caused widespread flooding, damaged infrastructure, uprooted trees, and led to the cancellation of over 700 flights. Schools and businesses were forced to shut down as a precautionary measure to safeguard residents.
Southern China is now bracing for Ragasa’s full impact, with nearly 1.9 million people evacuated in Guangdong province. Authorities have issued emergency warnings and set up relief centers to manage the expected fallout. The storm is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change, with devastating consequences for vulnerable communities.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of Ragasa, experts emphasize the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness measures and improved infrastructure to withstand such natural calamities. Relief efforts continue as affected communities brace for further challenges in the days ahead.
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