Typhoon Rogasa has left a devastating trail across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China, with experts ranking it as one of the strongest storms recorded in the South China Sea since 1950.

The storm struck Taiwan first, where a barrier lake burst in Hualien County, killing 40 people and displacing thousands. Just days later, Rogasa roared into Guangdong province, China’s economic powerhouse, forcing the evacuation of nearly 2 million people. Cities including Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macau were hit with destructive winds and flooding.

In Hong Kong, the storm passed just 100 km south of the city, delivering winds of nearly 200 km/h. The impact was severe: trees uprooted, seaside parks submerged, and 80 people injured. Authorities described Rogasa as a super typhoon, downgrading warnings only after conditions eased.

China’s central government has pledged tens of millions of dollars in relief funds to rebuild infrastructure and restore services. Despite widespread disruption, local officials highlighted improved disaster preparedness, with power and water supplies maintained in Shenzhen, unlike past storms.

Meteorologists say Rogasa’s strength places it alongside Typhoon Saola (2023) and Typhoon Yagi (2024) — raising concerns that climate change is contributing to more frequent and powerful storms in East Asia.

As the storm continues its path westward toward Guangxi province, residents remain under threat of floods and landslides, underscoring the region’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events.