"Typhoon Ragasa Unleashes Fury on Hong Kong and Southern China"

Typhoon Ragasa Brings Devastation to Hong Kong, Southern China A powerful typhoon, Typhoon Ragasa, made landfall in southern China on Wednesday, bringing with it strong winds and massive waves that crashed onto the waterfronts of Hong Kong. The storm, one of the strongest in years, left a trail of destruction in its wake, claiming at least 24 lives in Taiwan and the Philippines. According to official reports, nearly 1.9 million people were relocated across Guangdong province, the southern Chinese economic powerhouse, as the typhoon approached. In Hong Kong, strong waves taller than lampposts whipped against the promenades, causing widespread damage and disruptions to daily life. The storm also turned seas rough on the southern Chinese coast, posing a significant threat to coastal communities. In Taiwan, 14 people died in a flooded township, while 10 deaths were reported in the Philippines. "The situation is dire," said Chen Xiang, a resident of the affected area in Guangdong province. "We have been evacuated from our homes and are waiting for the storm to pass." According to experts, Typhoon Ragasa was a category 5 typhoon, with sustained winds reaching speeds of up to 160 miles per hour. The storm's impact was felt across multiple countries, with Taiwan and the Philippines bearing the brunt of its fury. The storm has also disrupted transportation networks in Hong Kong and southern China, with flights and ferry services suspended due to the bad weather. "We are doing everything we can to ensure public safety," said a spokesperson for the Hong Kong government. "We urge everyone to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary." As the typhoon continues to move northwards, authorities in Guangdong province have issued warnings of potential landslides and flooding in affected areas. Residents are being advised to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. The full extent of the damage caused by Typhoon Ragasa is still being assessed, but it is clear that this storm has had a devastating impact on communities across southern China and beyond. As the region begins the process of recovery, one thing is certain: the people affected will need support and assistance in the days and weeks to come. Attribution: This article relies on information from multiple sources, including official reports and eyewitness accounts. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.