Thu Sep 25 07:47:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Typhoon Ragasa, now weakened to a tropical storm, has left a trail of destruction across Taiwan and southern China, and poses a continuing rain threat to Vietnam and Southeast Asia. While China reports no deaths, Taiwan has revised its death toll to 14, with 33 still missing after heavy rains caused flooding and devastation, particularly in Hualien County. Economic disruption occurred across southern China when schools and business shut down for a few days, including the tourist destination of Hailing Island. Rescue and relief efforts are underway in both regions, with Taiwan’s president pledging a month’s salary to aid displaced residents.
**News Article:**
**Typhoon Ragasa Weakens, Leaves Path of Destruction and Turns Focus to Vietnam**
TAIPEI/BEIJING – Typhoon Ragasa, now downgraded to a tropical storm, continues to impact Southeast Asia after leaving a trail of destruction across Taiwan and southern China. The storm’s impact is now centered as a rain threat to Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Taiwan has revised its death toll to 14, correcting earlier figures after rescue workers double-counted casualties in the hard-hit Hualien County. Thirty-three people remain missing after heavy rains caused a barrier lake to overflow, unleashing floodwaters on the town of Guangfu. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai has pledged a thorough investigation into the deaths, many of which occurred on the ground floors of buildings, and has emphasized the need to “seize the golden rescue window” to find the missing. President William Lai Ching-te has pledged a month’s salary to relief efforts.
Ragasa made landfall in China’s Guangdong province on Wednesday, causing widespread disruption. While no deaths have been reported in China, fallen trees and debris litter cities like Yangjiang. The popular tourist destination of Hailing Island was also impacted. Authorities ordered businesses and schools to shut down in at least 10 cities across the south, affecting millions, but restrictions are being lifted. Nearly 2.2 million people in Guangdong were relocated as precaution.
By Thursday morning, Ragasa had weakened further after making landfall for a second time in Beihai, Guangxi, and is forecast to dissipate. However, the storm is expected to continue bringing heavy rainfall to Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia, posing a risk of flooding and landslides. Chinese authorities have earmarked $49 million for rescue and relief efforts.
First Piper 