In brief
Typhoon Ragasa has hit southern China, prompting the evacuation of nearly two million residents. Just days prior, Taiwan experienced severe flooding after a barrier lake burst, resulting in at least 17 deaths and many missing. As Ragasa makes its presence felt with destructive winds and torrential rainfall, emergency management efforts are underway in both regions.
Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in southern China, where nearly two million people have been evacuated in preparation for its arrival.
It comes after authorities said at least 17 people had been killed and more missing in Taiwan after a lake burst on Tuesday, causing severe flooding in the island's east.
Ragasa was downgraded from a super to a severe typhoon on Wednesday, but it remains highly destructive, with top winds of 241km/h (150mph) recorded in Taishan county in China's southwestern Guangdong province.
The equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, Ragasa is the world's strongest storm this year and has been roaring over the South China Sea for days.
Ahead of making landfall, 90 people were injured in Hong Kong as the storm skirted its coastline, prompting authorities to issue warnings and urge residents to stay at home.
The typhoon made landfall on the coast of Hailing Island in Guangdong at about 17:00 local time (9:00 GMT) on Wednesday. While wind speeds are expected to weaken, torrential rain is projected to continue across the region for several days.
In Taiwan, the destruction caused by Ragasa has been described as 'far worse than anticipated.' Premier Cho Jung-Tai has called for an inquiry into the evacuation procedures after the tragic flooding event that claimed numerous lives.
Officials have described the breach of the barrier lake as a 'tsunami from the mountains,' releasing an estimated 15.4 million tonnes of water. Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing and assist those affected, while the government has deployed troops to aid in rescue operations.
Meanwhile, disruptions continue in Hong Kong and the Philippines, where flight operations were grounded and local businesses shut down in response to looming dangers posed by the powerful storm.
