Taiwan Revises Down Super Typhoon Ragasa Death Toll, 33 Still Missing

HUALIEN, Taiwan — Taiwan has revised down the official Super Typhoon Ragasa death toll to 14 people, correcting earlier reports that mistakenly listed 17 fatalities due to double counting. Despite the revision, at least 33 people remain missing following the devastating storm that struck eastern Taiwan with torrential rains, landslides, and catastrophic flooding.

Flooding Disaster in Guangfu Town

The heaviest damage occurred in Guangfu town, Hualien County, where a barrier lake burst after days of rainfall from Super Typhoon Ragasa. The natural dam collapse unleashed more than 60 million tonnes of water, creating a sudden and destructive flood that swept away homes, bridges, and farmland. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, with residents trapped in rising waters.

Local authorities confirmed that many casualties occurred when people were swept away by fast-moving floodwaters and mudslides. Survivors described it as the worst disaster to hit the region in decades.

Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing

As of Thursday, emergency teams are still conducting search and rescue missions in the mountainous disaster zone. Rescuers face difficult conditions, including unstable slopes, collapsed roads, and massive piles of debris.

While the number of missing was initially reported at more than 150, most people have since been located. Officials now list 33 missing persons who are feared trapped beneath rubble or carried downstream.

Evacuation Orders and Public Concerns

Taiwanese authorities are facing criticism over evacuation orders during the flooding disaster. Residents of Guangfu and surrounding villages said warnings were either unclear or arrived too late as the barrier lake collapsed. In response, Premier Cho Jung-tai has promised a full investigation into Taiwan’s disaster preparedness and emergency response systems.

Regional Impact: Hong Kong, China, and the Philippines

The storm path of Super Typhoon Ragasa extended beyond Taiwan. In Hong Kong, the typhoon caused heavy flooding, flight cancellations, and school closures. In southern China’s Guangdong province, millions of residents were evacuated ahead of landfall, with strong winds battering the coastline between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang.

Earlier, the Philippines also experienced severe weather conditions, though the country avoided a direct hit.

Meteorologists have classified Ragasa as the strongest typhoon of 2025, fueled by unusually warm Pacific waters.

Recovery and Future Preparedness

With the immediate threat passing, Taiwan is now shifting focus to recovery and rebuilding. Relief efforts include restoring electricity, clearing debris, and providing emergency shelter to displaced families. Officials warn that heavy rain could still trigger further landslides in Hualien’s mountains.

The tragedy has raised urgent questions about infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and Taiwan’s capacity to handle extreme climate events. The government has pledged to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve coordination for future typhoon emergencies.