14 dead and hundreds missing in Taiwan due to Super Typhoon Ragasa

Taiwan: Super Typhoon Ragasa has wreaked havoc in Taiwan, leaving at least 14 dead and 124 missing so far. The disaster began in Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, when a lake formed by continuous heavy rainfall burst its boundaries and flooded the entire town.

The lake was formed due to heavy rainfall and landslides over the past few days. When it burst, approximately 60 million tons of water suddenly flowed toward Guangfu Township.

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14 dead and hundreds missing in Taiwan

According to Reuters, this volume of water was equivalent to 36,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Approximately 60% of the township's 8,500 residents conducted a vertical evacuation, moving to the upper floors of their homes, while the rest fled to their relatives' homes.

Search for the Missing

Taiwan's Fire Department reported that 124 people are still missing in Hualien County, the area hardest hit by the storm. Super Typhoon Ragasa's outer winds have been hitting Taiwan since Monday, and Hualien alone has recorded nearly 70 cm (28 inches) of rain.

Preparations in China and Hong Kong

Super Typhoon Ragasa is now moving toward southern China and Hong Kong. Schools and businesses have been closed in southern Chinese cities, and flights have been canceled in anticipation of the storm. To protect themselves from the storm, people are placing sandbags and barricades around their doors, while some are taping windows to prevent glass from shattering in the strong winds.

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Authorities in Hong Kong rescued three people, including a child, from the sea. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Typhoon Ragasa is moving at a speed of 195 km/h (120 mph). More than 1 million people have been evacuated in China's Guangdong province.

Potential Impact of the Typhoon on India and Safety Warnings

The typhoon is currently moving away from Taiwan, but it is expected to make landfall in China in the near future. There is no direct threat to India at this time, but such typhoons indicate that people living in coastal areas should always remain vigilant.

Summary

It is important to pay attention to warnings issued by the Meteorological Department and the government and be prepared for emergencies.