Typhoon Ragasa Slams Hong Kong and South China, Triggering Chaos and Evacuations

September 24, 2025 — Hong Kong / Guangdong — Southern China and Hong Kong are reeling from the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, a massive storm that tore through the region with devastating force. The cyclone, one of the strongest of the year, has left behind a trail of destruction marked by severe flooding, collapsed infrastructure, and the mass displacement of millions.

A Path of Destruction

The storm carved a deadly path across Asia before striking China, having already caused fatalities and widespread damage in the Philippines and Taiwan. By the time Ragasa reached Guangdong province, authorities were bracing for the worst: winds exceeding 175 km/h, torrential rains, and storm surges that pushed water deep into coastal towns.

Nearly two million residents in low-lying and high-risk areas were evacuated across southern China. Emergency teams worked through the night as rivers swelled and urban districts faced the threat of flash floods and landslides.

Hong Kong in Lockdown

Hong Kong endured some of Ragasa’s fiercest winds. Officials raised the No. 10 Typhoon Signal, the city’s maximum storm alert. As skyscrapers swayed in the gusts, authorities shut schools, offices, and public transport. Air traffic was brought to a standstill with more than 700 flights cancelled.

The storm left its mark across the city: hundreds of trees torn from their roots, scaffolding ripped away from buildings, and waterfront districts inundated by surging seas. Hospitals reported at least 90 injuries, while residents in low-lying neighborhoods scrambled to higher ground.

Mainland Impact and Ongoing Risks

On the mainland, Guangdong’s coastal cities bore the brunt of the storm. Jiangmen and Yangjiang recorded some of the highest wind speeds ever seen in the region. Despite Ragasa weakening as it moved inland, its rain bands continue to pose dangers, raising the likelihood of flash floods and mudslides in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces.

Local officials remain on alert, warning that swollen rivers and saturated soil could still lead to further emergencies. Relief centers have been set up to shelter evacuees and provide food and water supplies.

Economic and Social Fallout

The storm’s impact extended beyond physical destruction. Hong Kong’s financial and business sectors ground to a halt, and major events were postponed. The suspension of flights and shipping routes further strained supply chains across the region. In Guangdong, power outages left thousands in darkness as crews scrambled to restore service.

Looking Ahead

Meteorologists described Ragasa as the strongest storm of 2025 to date. Although its winds are easing, the threat has not fully passed. Rescue operations, debris clearance, and damage assessments are expected to last for weeks. For residents of Hong Kong and southern China, the storm has underscored the growing vulnerability of coastal cities to increasingly severe weather.