Super Typhoon Ragsasa has slammed into northern Taiwan, unleashing its fury with ferocious winds and torrential downpours that have plunged millions into darkness and brought the island to a standstill.
The powerful storm made landfall early Sunday near Keelung City, with sustained winds reaching a devastating 190 km/h (118 mph) and gusts soaring even higher. The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau issued extreme wind and heavy rain alerts for much of the northern region, warning of "life-threatening" conditions and significant landslide risks in mountainous areas.
Widespread Disruption and Damage
The typhoon's impact has been immediate and severe. According to the state-owned utility Taipower, over 2.3 million households lost electricity as the storm toppled power lines and damaged infrastructure. Emergency crews are working in perilous conditions to restore supply, but officials warn that full restoration could take days in the hardest-hit zones.
Transportation networks have been completely paralysed. Domestic flights are grounded, and international carriers have cancelled hundreds of flights at Taoyuan International Airport. Rail services in the north are suspended, and authorities have implored residents to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel.
On a Collision Course with Mainland China
After carving its path across Taiwan, Ragsasa is forecast to weaken slightly as it crosses the Taiwan Strait. However, meteorologists predict it will make a second landfall along the coast of China's Fujian province by late Sunday or early Monday.
Chinese authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations in low-lying coastal communities and have ordered fishing boats to return to port. The storm is expected to bring similar threats of flooding and destructive winds to eastern China.
Hong Kong Braces for Indirect Impact
While Hong Kong is not in the direct path of the typhoon, the city's observatory has warned of unsettled weather, including heavy squally showers and strong winds, as Ragsasa moves westwards. Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts as the storm's outer bands could still cause significant disruption.
This typhoon season is proving to be exceptionally active, with Ragsasa being the fifth major storm to impact the region. Scientists continue to highlight the potential link between the increasing intensity of such weather events and the ongoing effects of climate change.
