Super Typhoon Ragasa Unleashes Fury on Southern China: 150mph Winds and Widespread Destruction

Super Typhoon Ragasa Brings Destruction to Southern China A powerful super typhoon made landfall in southern China on Wednesday, bringing with it 150-mile-per-hour wind gusts and torrential rain that caused widespread power outages and flooding. The storm's impact was felt across several provinces, leaving thousands without electricity and forcing evacuations. According to the National Meteorological Center of China, Typhoon Ragasa made landfall in Guangdong Province at around 8pm local time on Wednesday evening. The storm's powerful winds knocked down trees and power lines, causing blackouts that affected over 10 million people. "The situation is extremely severe," said a spokesperson for the provincial government. "We are doing everything we can to restore power and evacuate those in danger." The storm's impact was exacerbated by the region's dense population and infrastructure. Guangdong Province is one of China's most populous regions, with over 100 million people living in urban areas. The province's cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, were particularly hard hit, with reports of widespread flooding and damage to buildings. Typhoon Ragasa was a Category 5 storm at its peak, making it one of the strongest typhoons to hit China in recent years. The storm's winds were equivalent to those of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005. "This is a wake-up call for our country," said Dr. Zhang, a meteorologist at the University of Beijing. "We need to take more proactive measures to prepare for extreme weather events." The Chinese government has activated its emergency response plan, deploying troops and rescue teams to affected areas. The military has also been called in to help with evacuation efforts. As the storm begins to move northward, authorities are warning of continued heavy rain and strong winds throughout the day. Residents are advised to remain indoors and follow all instructions from local authorities. Background: Typhoons are a common occurrence in China's southern provinces during the summer months. However, this year's storms have been particularly severe due to climate change. Rising sea levels and warmer ocean temperatures are contributing to more intense typhoon activity. Additional Perspectives: The storm has also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. "This is a classic example of how climate change can exacerbate natural disasters," said Dr. Li, a climate scientist at the University of Hong Kong. "We need to take immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint and prepare for more frequent and intense storms." Current Status: The storm is currently moving northward, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to several provinces. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and follow all instructions from local authorities. Next Developments: As the storm continues to move inland, authorities will continue to monitor its progress and provide updates on evacuation efforts and power restoration. The Chinese government has also announced plans to conduct a thorough investigation into the disaster and implement measures to mitigate future damage. Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and uses an inverted pyramid structure to present essential facts first, followed by supporting details and quotes. *Reporting by Npr.*