Typhoon Ragasa, 2025’s 18th typhoon, nears landfall between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang. An orange alert warns of heavy rain and strong winds across the region
Taipei
Typhoon Ragasa has claimed 14 lives and injured 18 in Taiwan, with about 100 people still trapped and awaiting rescue, authorities said Wednesday morning. The storm’s outer bands continue to lash Taiwan’s eastern, northern, and southern coasts with heavy rain.
On Tuesday afternoon, overflowing of a dam at a barrier lake in Hualien County caused severe flooding. The island’s emergency operation centre is coordinating rescue efforts amid worsening conditions. Several neighbouring regions have issued alerts in response to Ragasa’s impact.
In China’s Guangdong Province, the storm prompted suspension of schools, businesses, production, and public transport. Zhanjiang City halted classes Tuesday afternoon and announced further suspensions from Wednesday afternoon. Essential services such as water, power, gas, medical care, and emergency response remain active. Authorities urged halting all non-essential activities that could endanger lives.
Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, entered the South China Sea late Monday. By Wednesday morning, it was about 170 km southeast of Yangjiang City, moving northwest at 20 km per hour. Landfall is forecast Wednesday evening between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang. China’s National Meteorological Centre issued an orange alert, the second-highest warning level, anticipating heavy rain and strong winds.
Ragasa also passed within 100 km of Macao, prompting the territory’s meteorological bureau to hoist a No. 10 tropical cyclone signal at 5:30 a.m. local time. Winds reached hurricane-force level 12, expected to sustain for hours, with top-level typhoon warnings remaining in effect.