At least 17 people have been killed and 17 remain missing in Taiwan after a barrier lake burst its banks amid downpours from the outer bands of Typhoon Ragasa.
The storm, the world’s strongest this year so far, made landfall close to Yangjiang in southern China at around 5pm local time (9am GMT) with sustained winds of 144kmph.
The storm brought several Asian megacities to a standstill on Wednesday. Streets were empty in Hong Kong as the storm brought waves taller than lampposts to its promenades.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled at Hong Kong’s international airport, schools were shut and shelves in supermarkets emptied across several cities in China.
Nearly two million people were relocated across Guangdong province, the southern Chinese economic powerhouse.
The typhoon weakened to a severe typhoon, the equivalent of a category 3 hurricane, as it made landfall, after days as a super typhoon. It is forecast to continue weakening as it moves inland.
Earlier, the storm lashed the Philippines, killing at least three people as its bands triggered widespread flooding and landslides.
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Key Points
- Typhoon Ragasa makes landfall in China
- At least 15 people killed in Taiwan after lake bursts
- Mother and son critical after being swept into sea during Typhoon Ragasa
- China evacuates 1.9 million in Guangdong province
- Mapped: Super Typhoon Ragasa path
- Taiwan premier calls for inquiry after 14 killed in Super Typhoon Ragasa
Drone footage shows buildings and fields submerged in Taiwan
14:15
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Stuti Mishra
Photos: Hong Kong residents venture out to find trees down, fresh flooding still breaking out
13:30
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Stuti Mishra
Death toll rises to 17 in Taiwan
13:00
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Stuti Mishra
The death toll from floods in the town of Guangfu has increased to 17, officials said. The number of missing was also updated earlier to 17 from over 120 as rescuers continued to work through the heavy rains and flooding to find people.
Meanwhile, the death toll from flooding and landslides in the Philippines has also increased to 10.
Drone video shows collapsed Taiwan bridge after Typhoon Ragasa devastates East Asia
12:30
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Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong flights to resume after midnight
12:00
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Stuti Mishra
Flights to and from Hong Kong will begin resuming from midnight, the airport authority has said.
The flights will be resuming after a 36-hour halt as Typhoon Ragasa battered the city with heavy rainfall, winds and sent waves crashing on promenades.
Over 140,000 passengers were affected by the cancellation of around 1,000 flights today and yesterday, the airport authority said.
Photos: Ragasa lashes Macau with heavy rainfall
11:30
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Stuti Mishra
Photos: Residents clear mud in Hualien
11:19
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Stuti Mishra
Mother and son critical after being swept into sea during Typhoon Ragasa
10:38
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Stuti Mishra
A Hong Kong mother and her five-year-old son are in critical condition after they were swept into the sea while wave-watching during Typhoon Ragasa, authorities said.
The pair were pulled from the water unconscious in Chai Wan on Tuesday afternoon, when the No 8 typhoon signal was in force, and taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, the Information Services Department told Hong Kong Free Press.
The woman’s husband, 40, jumped in to try to rescue them and was later admitted in serious condition, officials said. Police said the family had been watching waves at the waterfront when they were dragged into the sea.
Ragasa, the strongest storm of the year, brought Hong Kong to a standstill on Wednesday as the Observatory raised its highest T10 signal overnight, warning of hurricane-force winds and dangerous storm surges that battered coastal districts such as Heng Fa Chuen and Tseung Kwan O.
Typhoon Ragasa makes landfall in China
10:29
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Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall close to Yangjiang in southern China, crossing the mainland coast at around 5pm local time (9am GMT) with sustained winds of 144kmph.
At the time of landfall Ragasa is no longer a super typhoon, having slowly weakened since it moved into waters off Guangdong.
The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded it from a super typhoon to severe typhoon earlier, with sustained winds of about 175kmph near the centre.
Despite losing some of its strength, it is still capable of bringing down trees and power lines, shattering windows and damaging buildings.
The storm will continue moving inland and its intensity will decrease but rainfall is expected to last for a few days.
China issues highest red alert ahead of landfall
10:20
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Stuti Mishra
China's marine authority has issued its highest "red" wave warning for the first time this year, forecasting storm surges of up to 2.8 metres (9 feet) in parts of Guangdong province, as Ragasa is about to make landfall at the densely populated Pearl River Delta.
Hong Kong's airlines evacuate planes as they wait out Typhoon Ragasa
10:05
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Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong’s airlines have moved most of their fleets out of the city to avoid damage from Super Typhoon Ragasa, Reuters reported.
About 80 per cent of aircraft belonging to the territory’s four main carriers have been relocated to airports in Japan, China, Cambodia, Europe and Australia, according to Flightradar24 tracking data. The Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre said the majority of private jets had also left ahead of the storm.
Earlier, passengers were stuck at the airport as hundreds of flights were cancelled. Cathay Pacific cancelled more than 500 flights and said it was “positioning some of our aircraft away from Hong Kong” with a gradual resumption expected from Thursday into Friday. Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines confirmed they had also sent planes to other airports as a precaution.
Taiwan death toll rises to 15 as number of missing falls
09:36
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Adam Withnall
Taiwan’s authorities say 15 people have been confirmed dead after a lake burst and sent a wall of water through the town of Guangfu during Super Typhoon Ragasa, revising the death toll up by one.
The fire department revised down the number of people missing after the typhoon in Guangfu, however, from more than 150 to just 17.
Video shows water bursting through glass doors at Hong Kong resort
09:35
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Stuti Mishra
This happened at the Fullerton Hotel Ocean Park in Hong Kong a couple hours ago. I have never seen anything like this before.
— Eric Yeung (@KingKong9888) September 24, 2025
I was up at 4 am taping my windows because water was just pouring in…
Ragasa is indeed a super Typhoon … pic.twitter.com/O59FJbGLsE
Fresh flood fears in Taiwan town devastated by lake burst
09:10
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Stuti Mishra
Sirens rang out in Guangfu on Wednesday as police warned of fresh flooding in the eastern Taiwan town devastated earlier when a barrier lake burst.
Authorities said much of the lake’s water had already been released and heavy rain was easing, but fears remained.
“We will not return until the overflow is finished or the risk of it bursting is reduced. It’s too dangerous,” said a woman surnamed Tsai from an elementary school shelter told Reuters news agency.
The deluge has already swept away a major bridge and left cars and scooters strewn across muddy streets. About 5,200 people, 60 per cent of the town’s population, sheltered on upper floors of their homes, while others left to stay with relatives.
The government said the lake released about 60 million tonnes of water, the equivalent of 36,000 Olympic-sized pools. Soldiers have been distributing supplies door-to-door in armoured vehicles as rescuers continue to search.
Photos: Roads submerged and bridge collapsed in Taiwan
08:50
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Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong issues rare maximum-level storm warning
08:30
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Stuti Mishra
The Hong Kong Observatory increased its storm warning this morning from No 8 to No 10, its highest, as hurricane force winds and tall waves lashed the city.
The warning meant people were supposed to stay inside away from windows and doors and remain in place "until the danger is over".
Maximum gusts of 206kmph were reported at Ngong Ping plateau, a top tourist destination, while the observatory expected winds of up to 189kmph elsewhere.
The eye of the storm has now passed to the west beyond Hong Kong's coast and the impacts of the storm are dying down there, though flight disruptions are expected to continue until at least Thursday morning.
Photos: Super Typhoon Ragasa leaves trail of destruction in Hong Kong
08:10
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Stuti Mishra
China evacuates 1.9 million in Guangdong province
07:17
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Stuti Mishra
China has evacuated 1.9 million people so far in Guangdong province, local authorities say.
The province is an economic powerhouse and home to more than 125 million people.
The national weather agency forecast the super typhoon would make landfall between the cities of Yangjiang and Zhanjiang this evening.
Schools, factories and transit services were suspended in about a dozen cities.
Taiwan premier calls for inquiry after 14 killed in Super Typhoon Ragasa
07:10
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Stuti Mishra
Taiwan premier Cho Jung-tai has called for an inquiry into what went wrong with evacuation orders in an eastern county where flooding from a breached mountain lake killed 14, as fresh warnings spooked residents.
Sub-tropical Taiwan, frequently hit by typhoons, normally has a well-oiled disaster mechanism that averts mass casualties by moving people out of potential danger zones quickly.
But many residents in Guangfu, an inundated town in the beauty spot of Hualien thronged by tourists, said there was insufficient warning when the lake overflowed during yesterday's torrential rains brought by Super Typhoon Ragasa.
The premier said the immediate priority was to find 129 people still missing, but questions remained.
"For the 14 who have tragically passed away, we must investigate why evacuation orders were not carried out in the designated areas," he told reporters in Guangfu.
"This is not about assigning blame, but about uncovering the truth."
The barrier lake, formed by landslides triggered by earlier heavy rain in the island's sparsely populated east, burst its banks to send a wall of water into Guangfu.
Mapped: Super Typhoon Ragasa path
06:45
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Stuti Mishra
Super Typhoon Ragasa is nearing the Chinese coast after battering Taiwan and the Philippines, as it continues to maintain its monstrous strength.
The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 200kmph and gusts of up to 250kmph early this morning, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
The storm’s eye was located about 130km south-southwest of Hong Kong as it continued its churn along the southern Chinese coastline at 17kmph.
Forecasts suggest Ragasa will weaken gradually as it heads west towards the coast but gale- to storm-force winds are expected to persist through the day.
Taiwan military sends 340 soldiers to join rescue efforts
06:20
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Stuti Mishra
Regions across Taiwan have dispatched rescue teams to Hualien, with the military sending 340 troops to help.
In Guangfu, soldiers operating from an armoured personnel carrier to avoid the thick mud on the streets went door-to-door handing out water and instant noodles.
Resources were insufficient to help relocate those with disabilities, said Lamen Panay, a Hualien councillor, who added that government evacuation requests before the flood had not been mandatory.
"When warnings were issued, the central and local government said people could evacuate vertically, but what we were facing wasn't something 'vertical evacuation' could resolve," she said, referring to guidance for people to head to higher floors.
Photos: Waves as tall as lampposts lash promenades in Hong Kong
06:00
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Stuti Mishra
Satellite animation shows Super Typhoon Ragasa nearing Guangdong
05:39
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Stuti Mishra
Powerful Typhoon #Ragasa nears the coast of Guangdong, China overnight with winds of 215 km/h (130 mph). pic.twitter.com/Ph8Gy2ibjI
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 23, 2025
Over half of people in Taiwan's Guangfu in shelters
05:18
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Stuti Mishra
In Guangfu, the Taiwanese town where the lake burst killing 14 people, some 5,200 people or nearly 60 per cent of the population had been told to seek shelter – either on the upper floors of their homes or to the homes of friends and relatives.
Soldiers in armoured carriers delivered water and food as streets became choked with mud.
Councillor Lamen Panay criticised the evacuation orders, saying that advice to “evacuate vertically” was not enough to withstand such a surge.
The water hit like a 'tsunami'
04:54
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Stuti Mishra
A barrier lake in Taiwan’s mountainous east burst its banks during Super Typhoon Ragasa, sending a wall of water through Guangfu township.
The lake had formed after days of landslides triggered by torrential rain. When it overflowed on yesterday afternoon, an estimated 60 million tonnes of water tore through homes, vehicles and bridges in Hualien county.
The water hit like a "tsunami,” a local postman Hsieh, who fled to the second floor of his post office as floodwaters surged, told Reuters news agency. Later, he got home to find his car had been swept into the living-room.
Entire villages were left cut off. At least 14 people have died and 124 are missing, officials said.
At least 14 killed as lake bursts in Taiwan
04:05
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Stuti Mishra
At least 14 people have been killed and 124 remain missing after a barrier lake in Taiwan burst its banks following torrential rains from Super Typhoon Ragasa, officials said.
The lake, formed by landslides in Hualien county after downpours, sent a wall of water crashing into Guangfu township yesterday.
“As of 7am Wednesday, 14 people are confirmed dead and 18 were reported injured,” Lee Kuan-ting, a county press official, said.
Taiwan’s fire department said search teams were still trying to locate 124 missing residents.
The outer rim of Ragasa has battered Taiwan since Monday, while the storm also killed at least three people in the northern Philippines and forced thousands into evacuation shelters.
Nasa astronaut shares images of super typhoon from space
01:00
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Taz Ali
Violent Typhoon Ragasa and Neoguri from the International @Space_Station. Sept 21, 2025 0437 GMT. Nikon Z9 | 24/50-500mm.
— Jonny Kim (@JonnyKimUSA) September 23, 2025
From orbit, the view is breathtaking, but on the ground, this storm brings real danger and hardship. Thoughts are with everyone in its path, and with the… pic.twitter.com/PESFnPhYIC
Nearly 700 people take refuge in Hong Kong shelters
Wednesday 24 September 2025 00:00
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Taz Ali
The Hong Kong Home Affairs Department said about 684 people sought refuge in 49 temporary shelters across the city.
The super typhoon was centered around 190km (118 miles) south-east of Hong Kong at around midnight local time.
Hong Kong Airport operated 600 flights during super typhoon
Tuesday 23 September 2025 23:01
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Taz Ali
Hong Kong Airport handled 600 flights on Tuesday, according to officials, which is about half of its daily average of around 1,100.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong said there will be limited flights operating on Wednesday, including a small number of cargo flights.
In pictures: Hong Kong grinds to a halt as super typhoon approached with high winds and lashing rain
Tuesday 23 September 2025 22:00
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Taz Ali
Hong Kong to consider raising typhoon warning
Tuesday 23 September 2025 21:00
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Taz Ali
The Hong Kong Observatory said the weather will deteriorate “rapidly” as Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to bring hurricane-force winds with speeds of up to 230km/h (143mph) and thunderstorms.
It has already issued a No 8 warning signal on Tuesday, the third highest on the scale, but it said it will consider raising it to No 9 on Wednesday when the super typhoon is expected to be closest to the city.
Watch: View of typhoon from International Space Station
Tuesday 23 September 2025 20:00
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Taz Ali
When the @Space_Station flies directly over the strongest storm on the planet this year. @CNN #Ragasa #ISS #NandoPH pic.twitter.com/mX8cdvYbSl
— Derek Van Dam (@VanDamCNN) September 22, 2025
Mapped: ‘Strongest storm on planet’ brings Asian cities to a standstill
Tuesday 23 September 2025 19:00
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Taz Ali
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm of this year, continues to churn towards China, bringing Hong Kong, Macau, and several other cities to a halt.
Watch: Flightradar24 data shows dozens of flights cancelled in Hong Kong
Tuesday 23 September 2025 18:00
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Taz Ali
Cathay Pacific aircraft evacuating their Hong Kong base earlier today ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon #Ragasa. pic.twitter.com/WKjJcEpSFi
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) September 23, 2025
Hong Kong airport warns of ‘significant disruption’ as Ragasa nears
Tuesday 23 September 2025 17:30
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Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong airport said it will "continue operations" but warned passengers to expect "significant disruption" to flight operations from 6pm on Tuesday to Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said: “AAHK and the airport community are fully prepared and standing by for action. The three runways at HKIA will remain operational, and the terminal building will continue to stay open.”
The authority confirmed its Airport Emergency Centre will be activated, allowing staff, airlines and the Civil Aviation Department to coordinate contingency measures such as securing air bridges, strengthening drainage and deploying flood prevention works.
A temporary rest area will be set up inside the terminal with chairs, charging stations, water, snacks and blankets, while a number of restaurants and shops will remain open – some operating 24 hours. The Passenger Care Team will also be deployed to assist stranded travellers.
AAHK advised passengers to check with airlines before heading to the airport and use the HKIA website or “My HKG” app for updates.
Transport to the airport is expected to be affected as Hong Kong issued No 8 signal for typhoon, its third-highest. The airport said a taxi queue ticket system and shuttle buses for staff would be arranged to keep essential services running.
In pictures: Super Typhoon Ragasa hurtles towards China
Tuesday 23 September 2025 17:00
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Stuti Mishra
After making its way through the Philippines, Super Typhoon Ragasa is hurtling towards southern China, where authorities are bracing for landfall by one of the strongest storms in years.
See the damage and preparations in photos.
Hong Kong to consider increasing alert level as Ragasa inches closer
Tuesday 23 September 2025 16:30
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Stuti Mishra
The Hong Kong Observatory says it could increase its warning level as the typhoon comes closer tonight.
The city has already issued a No 8 signal – the third highest on the scale.
The next highest warning would be No 9, meaning gale-force winds are currently blowing or expected to increase significantly in strength.
The top signal, No 10, means hurricane-force winds with sustained speeds reaching 118kmph or above and gusts that may exceed 220kmph.
The observatory will take a call between 11pm local time tonight and 3am tomorrow.
Watch how Super Typhoon Ragasa intensified
Tuesday 23 September 2025 16:00
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Stuti Mishra
A remarkable two-day time lapse of Super Typhoon Ragasa.
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) September 23, 2025
Over the next few days, Ragasa will continue it's trek west towards China. pic.twitter.com/6MW6BrrLjO
Two dead and 30 missing in Taiwan after typhoon
Tuesday 23 September 2025 15:34
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Taz Ali
Two people have died and 30 people were missing in Taiwan after the the most powerful storm in the world so far this year passed through the island on Tuesday, authorities have said.
The Super Typhoon Ragasa brought heavy rains and severe flooding to Taiwan, leading to the collapse of a bridge, the island’s emergency department said.
Two people died and 30 people were missing in the eastern county of Hualien, where a barrier lake in the mountains burst its banks, sending a wall of water into the town of Guangfu.
About 60cm (24 inches) of rainfall was recorded in eastern Taiwan due to the typhoon, Reuters reported.
Super Typhoon Ragasa maintains its strength
Tuesday 23 September 2025 15:30
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Stuti Mishra