The world’s most powerful tropical storm of the year, Super Typhoon Ragasa, is closing in on southern China.
Authorities have already moved nearly two million residents out of harm’s way in Guangdong province, where the storm is expected to make landfall later tonight.
This so-called “King of Storms” has already left a trail of tragedy, killing at least 14 people in Taiwan and injuring many more across Hong Kong.
Now, all eyes are on China’s most populous province as tens of millions prepare for the typhoon’s impact.
Taiwan and Hong Kong Already Reeling
Before heading toward China, Ragasa slammed Taiwan with devastating force.
A massive overflow of a barrier lake sent torrents of water into one town, killing 14 people and leaving more than 120 still unaccounted for.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, endured pounding winds and torrential rains.
The city lowered its typhoon alert from its highest level, but businesses, schools, and transport networks remain shut.
Authorities confirmed at least 50 people were injured, while nearly 800 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters.
Even Macau’s casinos were forced to close their gambling halls, leaving visitors confined to their hotels.
Cities on Alert as Guangdong Prepares
In Guangdong, where over 50 million people live in sprawling cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan, preparations are in full swing.
Local governments have set up shelters and distributed tens of thousands of tents, folding beds, emergency lights, and other supplies.
Schools and businesses across several districts have been closed, while Shenzhen—just across the border from Hong Kong—has been warned of dangerous storm surges and flooding in low-lying areas.
China’s First ‘Red’ Wave Warning of the Year
For the first time in 2025, China’s National Maritime Environmental Forecasting Center has issued a “red” wave warning.
Forecasters expect storm surges as high as nine feet in parts of Guangdong’s Pearl River Delta, putting coastal towns at risk of severe flooding.
The warning comes as Ragasa approaches landfall between the cities of Yangjiang and Zhanjiang.
Heavy rain, destructive winds, and power outages are expected across the region tonight.
From Monster Storm to Dangerous Typhoon
Ragasa first formed over the Western Pacific last week and quickly exploded into a monstrous Category 5 system, with winds topping 260 kilometers per hour.
Although the storm has since weakened to a Category 3, it remains strong enough to topple trees, rip down power lines, shatter glass, and damage buildings.
Even at its reduced strength, the typhoon poses serious danger to both coastal and inland communities as it barrels across southern China.
The Situation This Morning
Ragasa is on course to make landfall tonight in Guangdong province, striking somewhere between the cities of Yangjiang and Zhanjiang.
Almost two million people have already been evacuated, while more than 50 million residents in major cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen are bracing for hurricane-force winds.
Taiwan is still reeling from the disaster, with 14 confirmed deaths and more than 120 missing, while Hong Kong has recorded dozens of injuries and extensive damage after being battered by fierce winds and towering waves.
In China, emergency authorities have deployed large quantities of tents, folding beds, lighting equipment, and other relief supplies to help residents weather the storm.
What Happens Next?
The next 24 hours will be critical as Ragasa moves inland.
Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors, stay away from coastal areas, and prepare for both flooding and power outages.
With emergency teams on high alert and shelters filling quickly, Guangdong is bracing for the full force of one of the most powerful storms in recent memory.