Hundreds of thousands of residents in southern China began clearing debris on Thursday after Typhoon Ragasa tore through Guangdong Province, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The powerful storm toppled trees, ripped down fences, and sent metal signs crashing onto streets, forcing communities into massive recovery efforts. Ragasa made landfall in Guangdong on Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of up to 145 kilometers (90 miles) per hour. The province, home to tens of millions of people and a major economic hub of China, bore the brunt of the storm after it swept past Hong Kong and claimed at least 14 lives in Taiwan. In Yangjiang, one of the hardest-hit cities, AFP journalists reported scenes of devastation, with roadways littered with debris and residents struggling to navigate blocked streets. Uprooted trees and broken power lines disrupted transport and utilities, while damaged buildings underscored the storm’s destructive force. Authorities in Guangdong said emergency crews had been mobilized to restore electricity and clear major roads. Schools and businesses in affected areas remained shut as cleanup operations continued, and weather officials warned of the risk of flooding in low-lying regions due to heavy rains that followed the storm. Local residents expressed relief that the storm had moved inland but voiced concern about rebuilding efforts. “We’ve never seen winds this strong in years,” said one Yangjiang resident, describing how entire fences and rooftops had been blown away. Typhoon Ragasa is the latest in a string of powerful storms to hit East Asia this year, highlighting the growing challenges coastal regions face as climate change intensifies weather patterns. For now, the people of Guangdong are focused on recovery, as communities rally together to clear the damage and restore a sense of normalcy.
Southern China Begins Cleanup After Typhoon Ragasa Batters Guangdong
