Typhoon Ragasa Leaves 14 Dead in Taiwan, Disrupts Asia's Economy

Super Typhoon Ragasa has wreaked havoc across parts of Asia, causing significant damage and disruption. In Hong Kong, the storm led to hurricane-force winds and severe flooding, notably shattering glass doors at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel with water levels reaching knee height in its lobby. Meanwhile, in Shenzhen, the typhoon's powerful winds brought the bustling tech hub to a standstill, toppling over 170 trees and halting daily activities. Despite the chaos, there were no reported fatalities in Shenzhen due to prior preparations.

In Taiwan, the situation was more dire, with landslides and flooding leading to at least 14 deaths and over 150 missing persons. The destructive force of Ragasa buried homes under mud and debris, posing a significant threat to residents, particularly the elderly.

The typhoon also affected industrial operations, including iPhone production in southern China, where assembly work was temporarily suspended. Additionally, over 600 flights were canceled as Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific preemptively grounded operations to ensure safety.

Experts have associated the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms with climate change, noting warmer ocean temperatures as a contributing factor. As the region grapples with the aftermath, the impact of Ragasa serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by a changing climate.