Super Typhoon Ragasa: 14 Dead in Taiwan as Hong Kong, China Brace for Impact

Typhoon Ragasa is set to strike Taishan and Zhanjiang in Guangdong on Wednesday afternoon, according to China's meteorological centre. The storm has already wreaked havoc in eastern Taiwan's Hualien county, where a barrier lake overflowed, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people. This disaster unfolded when the lake, formed by landslides after days of heavy rain, burst its banks and inundated Guangfu township.

In preparation for Super Typhoon Ragasa, residents in flood-prone areas have taken precautions by placing sandbags and barriers at their doors. Others have taped windows and glass panels to withstand strong winds. Many have stocked up on food and essentials, leading to a surge in sales as supplies dwindled. On a Hong Kong promenade, locals gathered to watch waves reaching heights of 2 to 3 meters before the storm intensified.

The typhoon's impact has been severe since Monday, with Hualien alone recording about 70 cm (28 inches) of rainfall. Taiwan's fire department reported that 124 people remain unaccounted for in Hualien county, the hardest-hit region on the island's east coast. The outer bands of Super Typhoon Ragasa are now moving toward southern China and Hong Kong.

In southern Chinese cities, daily life has been disrupted as schools and businesses closed and flights were cancelled in anticipation of one of the strongest typhoons in years. Authorities rescued three people from the sea in Hong Kong, including a child, while police closely monitored rising waters.

The National Meteorological Center of China has issued warnings that the typhoon is expected to make landfall between Taishan and Zhanjiang cities in Guangdong between midday and evening on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall is anticipated across much of Guangdong and neighbouring Fujian province.

Hong Kong's observatory reported that Ragasa is moving west-northwest at approximately 22 kph (13.7 mph) across the northern South China Sea, with maximum sustained winds near 195 kph (120 mph). Over one million residents have been relocated within Guangdong province as a precautionary measure.

The government has cautioned that water levels could reach heights similar to those during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. These past events caused direct economic losses exceeding HK$1 billion ($154 million) and HK$4.6 billion respectively.

In 2009, Typhoon Morakot claimed nearly 700 lives in southern Taiwan and resulted in an estimated $3 billion worth of damage. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the devastating power of such natural disasters.

The lake that overflowed contained nearly 91 million tonnes of water-equivalent to about 36,000 Olympic-sized pools-and approximately 60 million tonnes surged out when it overflowed. Government figures indicate that around 60% of Guangfu township's 8,500 residents sought refuge on upper floors during this "vertical evacuation," while most others left to stay with relatives.

As Typhoon Ragasa approaches southern China, authorities are bracing for its impact by implementing safety measures and ensuring public awareness. The focus remains on safeguarding lives and minimising damage as much as possible amidst this formidable natural threat.