What's happened
As of late September 2025, Super Typhoon Ragasa caused severe flooding and destruction across Taiwan, southern China, and the Philippines. At least 14 people died in Taiwan after a barrier lake burst in Hualien County, flooding Guangfu township. Millions were evacuated in southern China, with widespread damage reported in Guangdong and Hong Kong. The storm has weakened but remains a rain threat to Southeast Asia.
What's behind the headline?
The Growing Threat of Climate-Driven Storms
Super Typhoon Ragasa exemplifies the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones linked to climate change. The storm's destructive path through Taiwan, southern China, and the Philippines highlights vulnerabilities in infrastructure and disaster preparedness, especially in mountainous and coastal regions.
Disaster Response and Evacuation Challenges
Taiwan's tragedy in Hualien County, where a barrier lake burst causing deadly floods, underscores gaps in early warning and evacuation protocols. Despite a generally effective disaster mechanism, many residents reported insufficient warning, leading to significant casualties. The government's call for investigation into evacuation failures reflects the need for improved risk communication.
Economic and Social Impact
The storm disrupted millions of lives, with over 2 million relocated in Guangdong alone and widespread power outages and transport suspensions. Hong Kong faced severe flooding and infrastructure damage, affecting daily life and commerce. The economic toll, while still being assessed, will likely be substantial given the affected regions' population density and industrial importance.
Regional Cooperation and Preparedness
The event stresses the importance of regional coordination in disaster management across East Asia. With climate change intensifying such storms, countries must invest in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community education to mitigate future impacts.
Forecast and Future Risks
Although Ragasa has weakened, it remains a rain threat to parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. The storm serves as a stark reminder that climate resilience must be a priority for governments and communities in typhoon-prone regions.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post provides detailed coverage of the storm's impact in southern China, noting that over 2 million people were relocated in Guangdong and describing the extensive damage to infrastructure and transport. Their reporting highlights the scale of the response and the storm's economic implications. The Guardian and Al Jazeera focus on Taiwan's devastating flooding, with Al Jazeera's Erin Hale emphasizing the human toll and rescue efforts, quoting President William Lai's mobilization of government resources. The Independent and NY Post offer vivid descriptions of the storm's effects in Hong Kong and the Philippines, including injuries and disruptions to daily life. Bloomberg and South China Morning Post also touch on geopolitical tensions unrelated to the storm, but these are outside the scope of this coverage. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of Ragasa's multifaceted impact across East Asia, balancing human tragedy, governmental response, and broader environmental concerns.
How we got here
Super Typhoon Ragasa formed in early September 2025, reaching peak strength with sustained winds of up to 265 kph. It tracked through the northern Philippines, Taiwan, and southern China, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. Taiwan's eastern region, particularly Hualien County, suffered catastrophic flooding after a barrier lake overflowed. The storm prompted mass evacuations and infrastructure shutdowns in affected areas.
Go deeper
- What caused the flooding in Taiwan's Hualien County?
- How did southern China prepare for Typhoon Ragasa?
- What are the long-term effects of Ragasa on the affected regions?
Common question
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What Caused the Taiwan Floods and How Severe Are They?
Recent flooding in Taiwan has caused significant damage and loss of life, raising questions about the causes and severity of these events. With Typhoon Ragasa bringing heavy rains, many are wondering what led to the catastrophic flooding, how serious the situation is, and what risks other regions might face. Below, we explore the key details about the Taiwan floods, their causes, and what this means for the region.
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What Caused the Taiwan Lake Barrier to Break During Floods?
Recent flooding in Taiwan caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa led to a catastrophic breach of a decades-old lake barrier in Hualien. This disaster has raised questions about infrastructure resilience and the risks faced in flood-prone areas. Below, we explore what caused the barrier to fail, how such failures happen, and what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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What Damage Did Typhoon Ragasa Cause in East Asia?
Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest cyclone of 2025, has caused widespread destruction across East Asia. From severe flooding and infrastructure damage to loss of life, the storm's impact has been devastating. Curious about the full extent of the damage and how different regions are coping? Below, we answer key questions about Ragasa's effects and the ongoing response efforts.
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.
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Guangdong is a coastal province in South China on the north shore of South China Sea. The capital of the province is Guangzhou.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of the People's Republic of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea.
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Hualien (Wade–Giles: Hua¹-lien²) is a county on the east coast of Taiwan. It is Taiwan's largest county by area, yet due to its mountainous terrain, has one of the lowest populations in the country. The county seat and largest city is Hualien City. Hu
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