Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China, where nearly two million people have been evacuated in preparation for its arrival.
This comes after authorities reported at least 17 fatalities and several missing individuals in Taiwan following a lake breaching on Tuesday, causing significant flooding in the island's eastern regions.
Despite being downgraded from a super typhoon, Ragasa remains extremely dangerous, with top winds hitting 241 km/h (150 mph) recorded in Taishan county in Guangdong province.
Regarded as the world's strongest storm this year, Ragasa has been wreaking havoc across the South China Sea.
As preparations ramped up for the typhoon, Hong Kong experienced injuries to at least 90 people due to the storm's heavy winds and rain.
The typhoon struck the coast near Hailing Island, Yanjiang City, around 5 PM local time on Wednesday, according to Chinese state media.
As Ragasa moves over land, its wind speeds are expected to gradually decrease; however, the region may still face substantial rainfall for several days ahead, with red alerts for landslides issued in mountainous areas.
In response to the storm, authorities have taken precautions in cities like Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, with police patrolling neighborhoods to ensure public safety.
In Taiwan, Premier Cho Jung-Tai has called for an investigation into the inadequate evacuation orders that may have contributed to the recent tragedies; many areas experienced flooding described as far worse than anticipated.
Victims of the flooding have begun to speak out about their experiences, with many still trapped in their homes as rescue operations continue.
Overall, Typhoon Ragasa has disrupted lives across the region, pushing authorities to mobilize resources to mitigate further damage and assist those affected.
