Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the year, has caused significant damage as it continues to tear through east Asia where it has left death and devastation in its wake in the northern Philippines and eastern Taiwan. With winds strong enough to flatten trees and destroy infrastructure, the storm is now advancing towards Hong Kong and southern China, threatening densely populated coastal areas and major cities. Authorities across the region have launched mass evacuations, suspended schools and businesses, and activated emergency response measures to protect residents from the typhoon’s destructive path.

According to BBC reports, the typhoon first struck Panuitan Island in the Babuyan archipelago of northern Cagayan province on September 23, bringing wind gusts up to 285 kilometres per hour. Authorities warned of life-threatening storm surges exceeding three metres, along with widespread flooding and landslides. Schools and government offices were closed across much of the country, including the capital, Manila. On Calayan island, an official told AFP that a school roof was ripped off and landed on an evacuation centre, causing one minor injury. Local residents reported entire coconut groves flattened by the storm’s force. Thousands of residents in the Philippines were evacuated ahead of Ragasa’s arrival.

From the Philippines, Ragasa moved northwest towards Taiwan. Reuters confirms at least 14 deaths in Hualien county after a barrier lake, swollen by heavy rains, burst its banks. The flood released more than 60mn tonnes of water into Guangfu township, destroying a bridge, submerging homes, and leaving 124 people missing. Rescue teams, assisted by 340 military personnel, have been distributing food and water to stranded residents. Local officials criticised earlier evacuation guidance as inadequate, noting that vertical evacuation—moving to higher floors—was insufficient against the flood’s scale.

By September 23, Ragasa entered the South China Sea, heading towards China’s Guangdong province. China Daily reports that 371,000 people were relocated and more than 80,000 fishing vessels returned to port. Offshore oil platforms operated by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation switched to unmanned, satellite-controlled mode after more than 5,000 staff were evacuated.

In preparation for landfall between Zhuhai and Xuwen, major cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai suspended schools, public transport, and business operations. BBC live updates noted that Hong Kong raised its storm warning to the highest Level 10. Some highways, bridges, and ports were closed to prevent accidents, while disaster relief supplies such as tents, folding beds, and emergency kits were sent from Beijing.

The island province of Hainan has also taken precautions, temporarily halting classes, ferry services, park operations, work, and business activities. All train services to and from the island were cancelled in anticipation of Ragasa’s approach.

Neighbouring Guangxi declared an emergency, suspending all passenger and ferry services and evacuating 6,000 tourists from Weizhou island, China Daily added. The regional power grid mobilised more than 6,000 engineers, mobile generators, water-pumping units, and lighting sets to minimise damage and restore services quickly.

Meteorologists warn Ragasa remains the strongest storm of the year so far, with winds capable of exceeding 55 metres per second. It has the potential to rival Typhoon Hato in 2017 and is forecast to continue its path towards Vietnam later this week, leaving a trail of destruction across East Asia.