Super Typhoon Ragasa has wreaked havoc across East Asia, leaving at least 17 dead and causing widespread destruction in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The storm, which first hit the Philippines on Sept. 22 with winds exceeding 165 mph, a Category 5 equivalent, swept through southern Taiwan and struck Hong Kong on Sept. 23–24. In Hong Kong, the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel in Aberdeen was flooded as massive waves smashed through its glass doors early Wednesday morning, captured in shocking footage showing water rushing in and guests scrambling to safety. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
In Taiwan, catastrophic flooding from the bursting Matai’an Creek barrier lake killed 17 people and injured around 90 more, with many still missing. Authorities, including Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai, mobilized military, medical, and rescue teams for disaster relief.
Across southern China and Hong Kong, schools and businesses closed, hundreds of flights were canceled, and over 770,000 people in Guangdong were evacuated, with about one million expected to be relocated. Water levels in some Hong Kong areas reached 12 to 15 feet, prompting a T10 storm signal, later downgraded as the typhoon passed.
Ragasa is now heading toward Vietnam and Laos, leaving a trail of destruction and fear as one of the most powerful storms of 2025.
