Typhoon Ragasa Brings Catastrophic Flooding to Taiwan and China, Leaving 17 Dead

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in China, Leaving Devastation in Taiwan At least 17 people have been killed and many more are missing after a catastrophic lake burst on Tuesday caused severe flooding in eastern Taiwan. The same storm system, Typhoon Ragasa, made landfall in southern China on Wednesday evening, bringing with it sustained winds of up to 144kmh (89mph) and higher gusts. Timeline: Tuesday: A lake bursts in eastern Taiwan, causing widespread flooding and killing at least 17 people. Wednesday: + Morning: Typhoon Ragasa skirts the coastline of Hong Kong, injuring 90 people. + Evening: The storm makes landfall on Hailing Island, Yanjiang City in Guangdong province, China. Immediate Impact: The evacuation of nearly two million people in southern China has been completed ahead of the typhoon's arrival. Emergency services are working to respond to the disaster, with rescue efforts underway in both Taiwan and China. Background Context: Typhoon Ragasa is considered one of the strongest storms this year, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. The storm system has been roaring over the South China Sea for days, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to affected areas. What Happens Next: As Typhoon Ragasa continues its path across southern China, residents are advised to remain indoors and follow evacuation orders. Emergency services will continue to respond to the disaster, with aid efforts focused on supporting those affected by the storm. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it's clear that this devastating storm has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Technical Insights: The use of advanced weather forecasting and AI-powered predictive models helped authorities prepare for the storm's arrival, evacuating nearly two million people from affected areas. However, the sheer scale of the disaster highlights the limitations of current technology in predicting and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. As we continue to develop more sophisticated AI systems, it's essential to consider the implications for society and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate-related disasters. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*