Super Typhoon Ragasa Pummels Hong Kong and Southern China, Leaves Widespread Damage and Disruption
Published Date: 24th Sep, 2025
Hong Kong / Guangdong, September 24, 2025 — A powerful storm has battered Hong Kong and parts of southern China, wreaking havoc with torrential rain, hurricane-force winds, flooding, power outages, and mass evacuations. The violent system, Typhoon Ragasa, is being called one of the most intense tropical cyclones of 2025.
Storm’s Path and Intensity
Ragasa first struck the Philippines and Taiwan, where flooding and landslides caused dozens of casualties. In Taiwan alone, at least 17 people have been reported dead.
As it moved toward southern China, the storm unleashed sustained winds of over 175 km/h, forcing evacuations in coastal zones, particularly in Guangdong province, where nearly 1.9 million people were relocated from vulnerable areas.
When Ragasa approached Hong Kong, authorities raised the Typhoon Signal No. 10 — the territory’s highest storm alert. The intense winds and storm surges battered the city, flooding low-lying districts, toppling scaffolding, and bringing down hundreds of trees.
Impact Across Hong Kong
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Infrastructure and Transportation: All commercial flights were grounded, with more than 700 cancellations in and out of Hong Kong.
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Disruptions: Schools and businesses closed their doors; the city’s public transit systems temporarily suspended.
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Damage & Casualties: At least 90 people were injured in Hong Kong. Authorities received over 350 reports of fallen trees, 12 cases of flooding, and one major landslide.
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Storm Surge & Flooding: Coastal districts and riverfront walkways were submerged, with storm surges reaching into streets and some residential areas.
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Power & Utilities: Widespread outages left many neighborhoods without electricity for hours.
Mainland China: Preparedness and Evacuations
Authorities in Guangdong and neighboring provinces acted early, evacuating residents from flood-prone and coastal districts.
Cities such as Jiangmen and Yangjiang reported record wind speeds, while emergency teams scrambled to restore order. Though Ragasa weakened as it moved inland, torrential rain, flash floods, and landslides remain a serious threat deeper into Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces.
Broader Implications and Outlook
Ragasa is now considered the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025 so far.
Meteorologists caution that even as the storm dissipates over land, residual rain bands could continue to trigger floods inland. Evacuation centers and disaster response teams remain on high alert.
The storm’s disruption has also carried economic consequences. Trading and business operations in Hong Kong were brought to a standstill, with some companies forced to delay major events and listings.
As recovery efforts begin, emergency services face the dual challenges of restoring infrastructure and assessing the scale of the damage while remaining prepared for further weather risks.
Date: 24th Sep, 2025
