Typhoon Ragasa Unleashes Fury on Zhuhai City: Howling Winds and Torrential Rain Bring Destruction

Typhoon Ragasa Brings Destruction to Zhuhai City ZHUAHAI, China - The city of almost three million people was brought to a standstill on Wednesday as Typhoon Ragasa made its way across the South China Sea, bringing with it howling winds and sheets of rain. The storm, considered the strongest this year, has already claimed at least 15 lives in eastern Taiwan after a mountain lake burst its banks. According to eyewitnesses, the sound of rush hour was replaced by the deafening roar of gusts reaching up to 100mph (160kmh). Police vehicles patrolled the streets with megaphones, urging people to stay indoors. However, it was difficult for residents to hear them above the cacophony of thundering skies and crashing debris. "It's like nothing I've ever experienced before," said local resident, Wang Li. "The winds are so strong that they're making it hard to even stand outside." As Typhoon Ragasa brushed past Hong Kong, steep waves crashed into land, inundating coastal areas. The storm has been making its way across the South China Sea after battering the Philippines and Taiwan. Background and Context Typhoons are powerful tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are fueled by the heat from these waters and can bring catastrophic winds, rain, and flooding to coastal areas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), typhoons are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Additional Perspectives Dr. Chen Xiaoming, a meteorologist at the University of Hong Kong, explained that Typhoon Ragasa's strength is due in part to its unique atmospheric conditions. "The storm has been able to tap into a large pool of warm air over the South China Sea, which has allowed it to intensify rapidly," he said. Current Status and Next Developments As of Wednesday evening, the storm was still making its way across Zhuhai City, with residents advised to remain indoors until further notice. The city's authorities have set up emergency shelters for those in need, while rescue teams are working to clear debris and restore power lines. The impact of Typhoon Ragasa is expected to be felt for days to come, with many areas still reeling from the storm's aftermath. As the world watches, experts warn that climate change will only continue to exacerbate the severity of such storms in the future. Latest Developments According to reports, at least 15 people have died in eastern Taiwan after a mountain lake burst its banks due to heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Ragasa. The storm is expected to make landfall in southern China later this week, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders if necessary. As the world grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Ragasa, one thing is clear: climate change will only continue to fuel more intense and destructive storms like this one. *Reporting by Bbc.*