• Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused at least 14 deaths in Taiwan and severe damage across the region.
• Over 2 million people were evacuated in Guangdong, China, in preparation for the storm's arrival.
• Hong Kong experienced widespread flooding, with significant disruption to transport and emergency services.
• The storm was described as one of the most powerful to hit the region, with wind speeds exceeding 260 km/h.
• Rescue operations continue in various affected areas as the typhoon moves towards Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful tropical cyclone this year, has devastated Taiwan, leaving at least 14 dead and many others affected. The catastrophic event was spurred by a decades-old barrier lake bursting in Hualien County, flooding the town of Guangfu. Heavy rainfall led to chaotic conditions, with scores of people missing and complaining about inadequate evacuation warnings, which were not mandatory for residents according to thejakartapost, dawn, and channelnewsasia.

Following its passage through Taiwan, Ragasa lashed Hong Kong with unprecedented wind speeds, leading to over 90 injuries and substantial property damage. The typhoon's outer bands caused seawater to flood properties and businesses, including the Fullerton Hotel, where glass doors were shattered by storm surges. Authorities issued the highest-level typhoon signal 10, effectively paralyzing the city for nearly two days according to scmp and channelnewsasia.

As Ragasa made its landfall in Guangdong, China, evacuation measures were taken for over 2 million people. The storm brought destruction to coastal cities like Yangjiang and Zhuhai, causing extensive power outages and blocking major transportation routes. Reports from local weather stations recorded gusts up to 265 km/h (165 mph), while damage assessments revealed critical infrastructure in ruins, including uprooted trees and compromised communication networks according to indiatimes and aljazeera.

Amid chaos, recovery efforts continue as cleanup teams work to restore normalcy across the affected areas. The Taiwanese government is also demanding an investigation into evacuation protocols following complaints from residents about insufficient warnings during the crisis. As Ragasa moves westward toward Vietnam, it remains a rain threat for the wider Southeast Asia region according to reuters, lemonde, and scmp.