Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has already caused immense destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines, is set to make landfall today between Taishan and Zhanjiang in China. At least 14 people have been reportedly killed so far in Hualien city, and 124 are missing after a barrier lake overflowed, flooding a nearby town. As per reports, 240 troops have been deployed in Taiwan’s popular tourist hub city to carry out the rescue operation.
The massive typhoon has triggered intense rainfall accompanied by hurricane-force winds in southern Chinese cities, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen. Due to the hurricane, several schools, factories, and transit services were suspended in more than 10 cities. The impact was so severe that entire bridges were washed away. A typhoon signal is also in place in Hong Kong as heavy rain is expected to continue.
A massive flood was triggered after a lake burst its banks in Hualien County in Taiwan, killing a dozen people. Evacuations are underway in southern China. Meanwhile, Zhuhai Police have cautioned people to stay indoors. Additionally, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Guangzhou are expected to witness a seawater intrusion around midday, BBC reports.
At least four people, including an elderly man, were killed in the Philippines, according to AP. Super Typhoon Ragasa is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. As it approached land, wind speeds reached up to 285 km/h at their peak on Monday.
Previously, Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 was the most intense typhoon to hit the city, injuring over 200 people, sinking ships, and damaging critical infrastructure. Before that, Typhoon Hato caused widespread destruction and injured more than 100 people in Hong Kong.
ALSO READ: Mass Evacuations Underway as Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches Southern China
