On 18 September 2025, the system that became Super Typhoon Ragasa developed into a tropical depression; it then rapidly intensified to the east of Luzon, before passing through the Luzon Strait and heading towards the Guangdong coast – looking set to perhaps hit Hong Kong directly. It was rated a super typhoon, with winds exceeding perhaps 240km/hr, even stronger gusts, developing a huge eye and with a large circulation.
Such a powerful typhoon can be expected to cause serious damage; and in China Ragasa was dubbed the “King of Storms”. Luckily for Hong Kong and nearby Guangdong, it curved towards the west before reaching the coast – passing south of Hong Kong from late on 23rd to the evening of 24 September, and almost grazing the coastline, losing some power – yet remaining a potent typhoon – before its eventual landfall.
Here, a non-exhaustive selection of information on damage caused by Ragasa:
Taiwan: Flood Kills at Least 17, Devastates Town
There were heavy rains over Taiwan, well north of Ragasa’s eye – and these led to a mountain lake formed behind landslide material to suddenly break through the dam, with water rushing down to the Hualien area on the east coast. The rush of water was so extreme, it smashed through a bridge carrying a four-lane highway, as well as causing serious flooding. See ‘No warning’ – residents reel from deadly flood after typhoon bursts Taiwan lake.
Philippines: north Luzon hit by winds, floods
In the northern Philippines, at least 10 deaths were reported, including seven fishermen who drowned on Monday when massive waves and fierce winds capsized their boat off Santa Ana in northern Cagayan province. Five additional fishermen remain missing, according to provincial officials.
Nearly 700,000 people were affected by the catastrophic storm, with 25,000 seeking shelter in government emergency facilities.
Super Typhoon Ragasa leaves devastation across China, Taiwan, Philippines
Hong Kong: various damage including by storm surge at Tseung Kwan O waterfront
While Super Typhoon Ragasa retained its power and structure while passing south of Hong Kong, heading west, it was around 100km or more to the south – which meant Hong Kong was little affected by its hurricane force winds (albeit with gusts of up to 200km/hr). There was, however, a substantial storm surge of over a metre, resulting in some damage.
Short film by me, shot on Cheung Chau, sw Hong Kong – including trees blasted by hurricane force winds, waves breaking on the east coast during high tide elevated by storm surge and sending spraying well over rooftops:
Even while Ragasa was passing, this video circulated on social media – showing a storm surge suddenly smashing into the lobby of the Fullerton Hotel below Ocean Park, just outside the southern entrance of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter: Watch: Moment water shatters glass doors of Hong Kong hotel,
Coverage of damage at Tseung Kwan O includes:
There’s also a news article about a Tseung Kwan O restaurant wrecked by storm surge, as seen in a security cam video that has been widely shared, and is embedded here: 樺加沙｜將軍澳法式餐廳盡毀 老闆：損失$700萬 街坊打氣好感動 [Tseung Kwan O French restaurant was completely destroyed]
Insurance claims info helps put Ragasa’s damage into perspective; considerably less than with Mangkhut:
Macau: Storm Surge Floods Streets Where Residents Catch Fish
As Macau, there were shades of Sharknado, as storm surge flooded streets to maybe knee deep, and residents splashed around catching fish: Macau Street Turns Into Pond After Typhoon Ragasa As Residents Fish In Flooded Roads | Watch
Zhuhai: Extensive Storm Surge, Deep Enough to Float Cars
Based on video footage, the surge from Ragasa was more severe and extensive in Zhuhai, evidently including Gaolan Island on the southernmost coast:
Yanjiang: Ragasa’s Eye Makes Landfall, bringing Storm Surge and Fierce Winds
Ragasa then continued heading west just offshore, before at last making landfall, over Hailing Island in Yanjiang, around 230km west-southwest of Hong Kong.
This video montage shows severe winds and intense rains, along with apartments windows being broken, with the wind causing turmoil in an apartment: Super Typhoon Ragasa Made Landfall along the Coast of Hailing Island, Yangjiang City of Guangdong. 今年第18號颱風“樺加沙”的中心已於
And here, a brief report and three video clips showing the severity of the eyewall winds at Yanjiang:
See also an AFP report: South China cleans up after powerful Typhoon Ragasa
Also on this site: Super Typhoon Ragasa approaching Hong Kong updates