HONG KONG (AP) — Early Wednesday, Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms in recent years, sent massive waves surging over Hong Kong’s coastlines, effectively bringing life to a standstill along China’s southern shores after causing havoc in Taiwan and the Philippines.
In Taiwan, 14 people died in flooding caused by the typhoon, and three deaths were previously reported in the Philippines.
Residents of Hong Kong were jolted awake by strong winds during the early morning hours, sharing incredible sights online such as kitchen fans uprooted and cranes swaying in the storm.
The intense winds tore sections off a pedestrian bridge’s roof and toppled trees across the city. Flooding occurred in areas near two rivers and waterfronts. In hospitals, 13 people received treatment for injuries.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that over a million individuals in Guangdong province, a significant economic region in southern China, were relocated. Weather forecasters anticipated the super typhoon to hit land between Taishan and Zhanjiang sometime between Wednesday afternoon and evening, prompting closures of schools, factories, and public transportation in numerous cities.
Hong Kong and the nearby casino hotspot Macao saw widespread closures, including schools and airports, and many businesses shuttered. Temporary shelters were provided for hundreds in both locations, with Macao reporting one injury.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported that Ragasa, with maximum sustained speeds near the core reaching 195 kph (120 mph), was passing approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Hong Kong. It was predicted to continue on a path moving west or west-northwest at roughly 22 kph (about 14 mph).
Ragasa earlier caused deaths and damage in Taiwan and the Philippines after the typhoon took a path between them on Monday.
In Taiwan, heavy rain caused a barrier lake in Hualien County to overflow Tuesday and torrents of muddy water destroyed a bridge, turning roads in Guangfu township into churning rivers that carried vehicles and furniture away. Local authorities said 14 people died and 124 others were missing in the township, with 34 people injured across the self-ruled island.
In the northern Philippines, Ragasa, Tagalog for scramble, left at least three people dead, five others missing and displaced more than 17,500 people in flooding and landslides, officials said Tuesday.
___
Associated Press videojournalist Johnson Lai contributed to this report from Taipei, Taiwan.
