Super Typhoon Ragasa LIVE Updates: China Evacuates Nearly 2 Million as Typhoon Hits; 14 Dead in Taiwan
Super Typhoon Ragasa wreaks havoc in Taiwan and southern China, killing 14, leaving 124 missing, and prompting the evacuation of nearly 2 million people. Live updates on damage, rescue efforts, and storm warnings.
Strong waves and fierce winds batter the Heng Fa Chuen waterfront in Hong Kong as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches, causing widespread damage and prompting mass evacuations.
A potent storm in recent years, Super Typhoon Ragasa is still battering East Asia with the winds to wreak havoc and evacuate people en masse. The typhoon so far has killed 14 people in Taiwan and is now heading for southern China, including Hong Kong and Macau.
Deaths and Damage in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Ragasa made landfall in the eastern Hualien County, considered a famous tourist site where a barrier lake overflowed, subsequent to which a town was inundated. Fourteen lives have been lost; over 124 remain missing, per the report of Reuters. Gunnery teams and 340 military personnel were dispatched to assist with relief.
Deputy chief Huang Chao-chin of the command center for disaster relief said that the rain is easing and that the released water from the barrier lake decreases the risk of more flooding. Locals, however, continue to pursue the search-and-rescue effort.
Though in Taiwan, Premier Cho Jung-tai suggested investigating the floods and raised the question of why evacuation orders had not been fully followed in the affected areas.
The Impact in Southern China and Hong Kong
In the southern parts of China, about two million people have been evacuated in Guangdong province ahead of Ragasa's expected landfall between Taishan and Zhanjiang Wednesday afternoon and evening, said AP. Schools in over 10 cities have been suspended. Factories and public transport are suspended, too.
Hong Kong was battered by strong winds and heavy rain, which saw trees uprooted and partial damage to a pedestrian bridge. About 13 people were injured while several more were treated in hospitals. The city, in the beginning, put its typhoon signal to 10, the maximum warning, and then lowered it to 8, keeping most parts of Hong Kong in lockdown.
Casinos and Hotels Were Keeping Guests from Leaving Due to the Storm in Macau.
Emergency Measures and Warnings
The emergency management ministry has sent tens of thousands of tents, folding beds, and other rescue materials to Guangdong. Meanwhile, the marine authority issued the first red wave alert for storm surges of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) in the Pearl River Delta, which covers major areas such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan.
Some experts believe that due to lessons learned from past typhoons like Hato and Mangkhut, the region is about better prepared; hence, the Pearl River Delta, despite its intensity, remained fairly resilient.
Shenzhen city authorities issued warnings for flooding potential in low-lying areas and advised residents to remain cautious till Thursday.
Live Updates
12:28 IST: Hong Kong lowered typhoon signal to 8; 791 people sought refuge in temporary shelters.
12:25 IST: China dispatches emergency tents, beds, and lighting equipment to Guangdong.
12:23 IST: Shenzhen still remains under high risk of flooding; storm surge alert remains effective.
12:21 IST: Red wave warning issued for Guangdong; storm surge may reach a height of 2.8 meters.
12:18 IST: Rainfall steadily ends at Hualien, and massive flooding of last Tuesday shall not be repeated.
11:07 IST: Premier of Taiwan orders probe into evacuation failures; 129 persons remain missing.
11:01 IST: Guangfu township remains in chaos, with supplies unable to reach the shelters.
The residents and authorities in both Taiwan and Southern China continue to take high alert as Super Typhoon Ragasa moves inland, while the rescue and relief operations are underway.
