HANOI, Vietnam – Typhoon Ragasa, having weakened from its peak as the world’s strongest cyclone this year, is now bringing heavy rain and a heightened risk of flooding to northern Vietnam, authorities said Thursday. The storm previously caused widespread damage and disruption across southern China, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
Ragasa peaked Monday with maximum sustained winds of 265 kph (165 mph), prompting the relocation of more than 2 million people across Guangdong province in China ahead of its arrival. In Guangdong, nearly half a million households experienced power outages, with over a third still without electricity as of Thursday morning, according to Yangjiang Daily. Cities like Zhuhai saw streets transformed into rivers, requiring inflatable boat rescues of stranded residents, while older neighborhoods experienced ground-floor flooding, Southern Metropolis Daily reported. Dialog was cut off with some islands in Jiangmen city, Southern Weekly newspaper said.
Further west in Guangxi region, schools, businesses, and tourism activities were temporarily suspended.
In Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, operations were gradually returning to normal after earlier disruptions. Hong kong International Airport resumed flights following the cancellation of approximately 1,000 flights affecting 140,000 passengers. Businesses reopened, though scattered fallen branches remained after fierce winds toppled over 1,200 trees. Approximately 100 injured individuals were treated at hospitals.
Taiwan revised its death toll down to 14 from an initial count of 17, all fatalities occurring in Hualien County due to flooding from an overflowing barrier lake. Muddy torrents destroyed a bridge in Guangfu township, sweeping away vehicles and furniture. Some residents in Hualien remain unaccounted for, and dozens were injured across the island. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visited the county, expressing condolences and pledging goverment support for recovery efforts.
The Philippines reported at least 11 deaths attributed to Ragasa, including seven fishermen who drowned when their boat capsized in Cagayan province. Two fishermen remain missing.
Leung reported from Hong Kong. Jim Gomez in manila, Philippines and Johnson Lai in taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.
