分类： world

Southern China, particularly the coastal city of Zhuhai, has been brought to a standstill as Typhoon Ragasa, dubbed the ‘king of storms,’ made landfall with ferocious winds and torrential rains. The typhoon, the most intense the world has witnessed this year, swept through the South China Sea after wreaking havoc in the Philippines and Taiwan, where it claimed at least 15 lives due to a mountain lake bursting its banks. In Zhuhai, a city of nearly three million, the usual hustle and bustle of rush hour was replaced by the eerie silence of evacuated streets, punctuated only by the howling winds and the occasional determined cyclist braving the storm. Police vehicles patrolled the streets, urging residents to stay indoors, though their warnings were often drowned out by the 100mph (160km/h) gusts. The storm, which made landfall at 17:00 local time, had already forced the evacuation of nearly two million people in Guangdong province, with officials issuing a red alert for high tides and coastal surges. The city’s tall buildings bore the brunt of the storm, with rain lashing against windows and winds making it nearly impossible to stand upright. Evacuation centers across the city housed families who had fled their homes, their children finding solace in the unexpected day off school. Despite the severity of the storm, there was no panic, only a sense of resignation among the locals, who are no strangers to typhoons. Authorities, keen to avoid criticism from past natural disasters, had issued warnings days in advance, urging residents to prepare for a ‘catastrophic disaster.’ This year has been marked by extreme weather events in China, from heatwaves to floods, and Typhoon Ragasa is yet another test of the country’s disaster preparedness. With alerts for heavy rain and landslides still in place, the storm’s impact is far from over.

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.

This week, New York City becomes the epicenter of global diplomacy as world leaders assemble for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate. The gathering, marking eight decades of international collaboration, unfolds against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts and internal financial struggles within the UN. Over 150 heads of state and government are set to address the assembly, with Middle Eastern leaders expected to spotlight Israel’s actions in Gaza and its regional confrontations. The event, renowned for attracting political heavyweights, kicked off with US President Donald Trump articulating his global vision and critiquing the perceived decline of international institutions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside leaders from Jordan and Qatar, also took the stage. The UNGA, a cornerstone of the UN, oversees critical functions such as admitting new members, selecting non-permanent Security Council members, and contributing to the election of the UN Secretary-General. It also grants observer status to entities like Palestine and the European Union. This year’s theme, ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,’ may be overshadowed by national agendas, particularly from Middle Eastern leaders. The assembly’s schedule, running from 9am to 9pm EST, is packed with speeches, though adherence to the 15-minute limit is often lax, a tradition famously exemplified by Fidel Castro’s four-hour address in 1960. The event’s dynamic nature means the speaking order is subject to change, with leaders from across the globe, including Indonesia, South Africa, France, and China, slated to contribute their perspectives. The UNGA continues to serve as a vital platform for addressing pressing global issues, despite the challenges it faces.