Typhoon bursts Taiwan lake as strongest storm barrels towards China

Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm of 2025, has wreaked havoc across Taiwan and is now poised to strike southern China, prompting mass evacuations and widespread disruptions. In eastern Taiwan, the typhoon caused a mountain lake to burst its banks, leading to catastrophic flooding in Hualien County. At least 14 people have died, while 263 others remain trapped or missing. Rescuers are working tirelessly to reach affected areas, but the situation remains dire. The typhoon, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, has already unleashed wind gusts of up to 285 km/h (177 mph) and triggered severe flooding, landslides, and storm surges. In Hualien, a bridge was destroyed, trees uprooted, and cars submerged as floodwaters surged through the region. Deputy Chief of Hualien County Fire Department, Lee Lung-sheng, described water levels rising as high as the second floor of buildings in some areas. Meanwhile, Taiwan has recorded nearly 60 cm (24 inches) of rainfall in its eastern regions, with ferry services suspended and over 100 international flights canceled. As Ragasa approaches China’s Guangdong province, authorities have evacuated 370,000 people and issued warnings of a ‘catastrophic’ storm surge of up to five meters. Hong Kong has raised its typhoon warning to the maximum level 10, with supermarkets stripped bare as residents prepare for the storm’s impact. Hong Kong International Airport anticipates significant flight disruptions, with over 500 Cathay Pacific flights canceled. The typhoon, dubbed the ‘King of Storms’ by China’s meteorological agency, is expected to move towards northern Vietnam, potentially affecting millions. In the Philippines, Ragasa has already claimed one life and forced the evacuation of thousands. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying tropical storms, leading to higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and increased coastal flooding risks. As Ragasa continues its destructive path, the region braces for further devastation.