• At least 14 confirmed dead, 152 missing in Taiwan after Typhoon Ragasa.
• A barrier lake overflowed, inundating Guangfu Township in Hualien County.
• Rescue operations are underway, with more than 3,000 evacuated from affected areas.
• Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to make landfall in southern China soon.
• Effects of the storm have also been felt in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful tropical cyclone in 2025, has led to at least 14 fatalities and left 152 individuals missing in Taiwan. The devastation occurred when a barrier lake in Hualien County overflowed, flooding the township of Guangfu with immense torrents of water, inundating streets up to one story high and sweeping away vehicles, according to reports from the AA, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.

Recent reports indicate that many of the deceased were elderly residents who lived on the ground floors of affected buildings. The township had previously fallen victim to landslides which contributed to the formation of the barrier lake, with the recent overflow blamed for the widespread damage, according to the Taiwanese Fire Department and The Jakarta Post, India Times, and Reuters.

As rescue teams work tirelessly, nearly 3,000 residents have been evacuated to safer areas, with ongoing assessments noting that the number of casualties may still rise due to the challenges of locating missing individuals in the aftermath of the flooding. The surrounding areas are also facing similar concerns, as additional evacuations have been ordered in Fenglin and Wanrong townships, as cited by Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

The effects of Ragasa extend beyond Taiwan, impacting Hong Kong and the Philippines as well, where authorities have reported additional casualties from the storm. Heavy rainfall and winds have devastated infrastructure in these regions, prompting further evacuation efforts. In Hong Kong, significant flooding and disruptions have occurred, with the city issuing its highest typhoon warning, according to The Jakarta Post, Dawn, and India Times.