Footage from Hualien showed a major bridge collapsing as floodwaters roared through the valley, cutting off road access to several rural areas. The Taiwan Fire Department said emergency teams were struggling to reach stranded families due to washed-out roads and continuous rainfall. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift survivors from isolated villages.
Authorities reported that dozens remain unaccounted for, raising fears of further casualties. “The situation is critical. Many mountain communities are inaccessible,” an official from Taiwan’s National Disaster Response Center said.
Hong Kong Feels Typhoon’s Wrath
As Ragasa moved northwest, Hong Kong braced for impact. Strong winds and heavy rains forced the cancellation of more than 700 flights, disrupting thousands of passengers. Schools and offices shut down as authorities issued their highest storm warning, advising residents to stay indoors.
Despite robust flood defences, parts of Hong Kong experienced waterlogging and transport disruption. The Hong Kong Observatory described Ragasa as “exceptionally intense,” urging continued vigilance until the storm weakens.
Economic and Regional Impact
With Taiwan’s eastern infrastructure badly damaged, supply chains and local industries face significant setbacks. Agricultural regions reported severe crop damage, adding pressure to Taiwan’s food sector. Power outages affected more than 500,000 households, though utility crews have restored electricity to most urban areas.
Analysts warn that Ragasa’s impact could ripple across East Asia, with shipping routes disrupted in the Taiwan Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime passages. also highlighted concerns for Indian nationals studying and working in Taiwan and Hong Kong, urging them to follow local advisories.
Climate Experts Warn of Intensifying Storms
Climate scientists noted that Ragasa’s sheer force reflects a worrying trend of more frequent and intense typhoons in the Pacific. “Warmer ocean temperatures are fueling stronger storms,” said a researcher at the National Taiwan University. “We are seeing climate change manifest in destructive ways.”
International aid offers have begun pouring in. Japan and South Korea pledged to send relief supplies, while the United States expressed readiness to support Taiwan’s recovery efforts. India’s Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring the situation closely, as many Indian students are based in Taipei and Kaohsiung.