Super Typhoon Ragasa destroys Taiwan bridge amid floods
Super Typhoon Ragasa hit Taiwan, destroying a bridge; 14 dead, dozens missing after Hualien lake burst, 700 Hong Kong flights canceled.
Super Typhoon Ragasa wreaks havoc in Taiwan, bridge destroyed, dozens missing
Taiwan is reeling from the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm to strike the world this year. The typhoon made landfall on Tuesday, unleashing torrential rains, violent winds, and catastrophic flooding that have already claimed lives and left destruction in its wake.
One of the most dramatic scenes came from the eastern county of Hualien, where surging flood waters tore through a bridge, reducing it to rubble in a matter of moments. Videos captured the sheer force of the water as the bridge buckled and collapsed, a stark symbol of the typhoon’s destructive power.
According to Taiwan’s fire department, at least 14 people have been confirmed dead, while dozens remain missing after a barrier lake in Hualien burst its banks. The collapse sent a torrent of water rushing into nearby villages and farmlands, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and anything else in its path. Rescuers described scenes of chaos, with families trapped on rooftops, people clinging to debris, and cries for help echoing through flooded neighborhoods.
Emergency responders have been working round the clock, battling dangerous conditions to search for survivors. Helicopters were deployed to airlift stranded residents, while inflatable boats ferried others through submerged streets. Yet, access to some of the worst-hit areas remains blocked due to landslides and damaged roads, slowing relief efforts.
For many residents of Hualien, the typhoon’s arrival was a nightmare that unfolded too quickly. “The water came so fast, within minutes it was everywhere,” said one survivor, whose family home was swept away. “We didn’t have time to take anything, only our lives.”
The scale of the disaster has prompted the Taiwanese government to mobilize military forces alongside local emergency teams. Shelters have been opened in schools and community centers, offering food, blankets, and medical care to thousands of displaced people.
Super Typhoon Ragasa is not only a local tragedy but also a regional threat. After battering Taiwan, the storm continued to churn toward Hong Kong, where it unleashed fierce winds and heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Authorities there raised the highest storm alert, warning residents to stay indoors. The city’s normally bustling airport turned eerily quiet as more than 700 flights were canceled, disrupting travel plans for tens of thousands. Businesses shuttered, schools closed, and streets turned into rivers as Hong Kong braced itself for the storm’s full impact.
Meteorologists have called Ragasa the most powerful typhoon in the world this year, with wind speeds surpassing 250 kilometers per hour at its peak. Its vast size has made it difficult to predict the full extent of its impact, but experts warn that the combination of storm surges, landslides, and flooding could cause long-term damage to infrastructure and agriculture in Taiwan.
International leaders have expressed condolences and pledged support. Offers of aid and disaster relief supplies have already begun flowing in, with neighboring countries signaling readiness to assist Taiwan in recovery efforts.
For now, Taiwan is focused on the immediate task of saving lives and stabilizing affected regions. The images of a bridge torn apart, villages drowned, and families grieving their loved ones serve as painful reminders of nature’s fury. Yet amidst the devastation, stories of bravery—rescuers risking their lives, neighbors helping one another—shine through.
As Ragasa continues its path across East Asia, authorities remain on high alert. For the people of Taiwan and Hong Kong, the storm is a test of resilience, unity, and hope in the face of overwhelming loss.