Photocredit:Barristerng
Super Typhoon Ragasa has wreaked havoc across eastern Taiwan, leaving at least 14 people dead and 124 unaccounted for, while hundreds remain trapped by floods and landslides.
In Hualien County, a landslide-triggered barrier lake collapsed, unleashing nearly 60 million tonnes of water into Guangfu township. Entire sections of the area were buried under mud and debris, cutting off vital supplies. Village chief Wang Tse-an described the situation as chaotic, underscoring the urgent need for evacuations and emergency shelter. Rescue operations are underway with support from over 300 military personnel. Around 60% of Guangfu’s 8,500 residents managed to escape the worst impact by taking refuge in higher buildings or with relatives.
The typhoon dumped up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) of rain along Taiwan’s east coast, sparing the west. Packing winds of up to 285 km/h — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — Ragasa later slammed Hong Kong on Wednesday, tearing down trees, flooding streets, and damaging infrastructure. Winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) left at least 13 people injured as authorities suspended flights, trains, and schools. The Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest-level warning, cautioning of storm surges reaching three meters.
Meanwhile, over one million people were evacuated in China’s Guangdong province ahead of the storm’s expected landfall between Taishan and Zhanjiang. Ten cities ordered school and business closures in preparation.
Already deadly in the Philippines, Ragasa is being described as one of the most destructive storms in recent memory, drawing comparisons to Typhoon Morakot in 2009, which claimed nearly 700 lives and caused billions in damages.
Kindly Share This!!!
Barristerng
0 Comments