Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China after leaving a trail of devastation across Taiwan where at least 17 people were killed when a barrier lake burst triggering massive floods.
Nearly two million residents in Guangdong province were evacuated ahead of Ragasa’s arrival. Although downgraded from a super typhoon it remains highly destructive with winds topping 240 km/h recorded in Taishan county. Chinese state media confirmed it hit Hailing Island in Yangjiang City at about 17:00 local time.
The storm battered Hong Kong before crossing into China injuring 90 people and forcing schools businesses and flights to shut down. Authorities in Zhuhai Shenzhen and Guangzhou issued seawater intrusion and landslide alerts as heavy rain continued across the region.
In Taiwan floodwaters tore through Hualien county after a barrier lake burst sweeping away bridges homes and vehicles. Thousands were displaced with rescue teams still searching for missing residents. Premier Cho Jung Tai has ordered an investigation into evacuation efforts calling the disaster far worse than anticipated.
Ragasa also ripped through the Philippines earlier in the week killing at least eight people. Meteorologists say it is the worlds strongest storm this year with the China Meteorological Administration dubbing it the King of Storms.
