Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful tropical cyclone globally this year, has caused widespread destruction in Hong Kong and Taiwan, bringing torrential rains, hurricane-force winds, and deadly flooding.

The storm, packing winds of up to 200 km/h (124 mph), battered both regions with intense rainfall and storm surges.

In Taiwan, at least 14 people have been reported dead after days of relentless downpours, including a catastrophic overflow of a barrier lake in Hualien County, which sent a wall of water into a town, according to the island’s fire department.

Taiwan had been affected since Monday by the typhoon's outer rim, which drenched the island with non-stop rain, overwhelming infrastructure and emergency services.

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Deadly rains in Taiwan as Barrier Lake overflows

Emergency services in Taiwan reported that heavy rainfall caused a sudden overflow of a barrier lake in Hualien County, resulting in flash floods that swept through a nearby town. The 14 deaths reported so far are attributed to landslides, flooding, and other rain-induced accidents.

Authorities remain on high alert as more rain is expected in the region.

In Hong Kong, powerful waves crashed over the eastern and southern shores, submerging roads and residential areas. Videos showed seawater pouring into the Fullerton Hotel on the island’s south side, flooding the lobby. Other low-lying areas, such as Tseung Kwan O and Lantau Island, experienced severe coastal flooding.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the highest warning signal (No. 10) early Wednesday, urging businesses and public transport to cease operations. The Amber rainstorm signal was also issued, with rainfall expected to continue throughout the day.

Panic buying ensued across the city earlier in the week, with long queues at supermarkets and empty shelves, as residents prepared for a potential citywide shutdown. In one tragic incident, a woman and her five-year-old son were swept into the ocean while watching the typhoon; both are now in intensive care.

Authorities opened 49 temporary shelters, with over 700 residents seeking refuge.

Read more: Natural disasters caused more than $131 billion in losses so far

Guangdong province prepares for Typhoon landfall

As Ragasa moves closer to Guangdong province in mainland China, home to more than 125 million people, authorities are bracing for impact. Landfall is expected by midday Wednesday, around 100 km south of Hong Kong, and the storm is forecast to maintain its super typhoon strength.

Over 770,000 residents have been evacuated in Guangdong, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Schools, public transport, and high-speed rail services have been suspended, while flights were cancelled at major airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

China’s marine authority issued a red wave warning, predicting storm surges of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) along the Guangdong coastline.

China's emergency management ministry has deployed thousands of tents, beds, lighting equipment, and other supplies to affected regions. The densely populated cities of Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, and Dongguan, home to roughly 50 million people, are directly in Ragasa's projected path.

Authorities have warned of potential sea levels similar to past devastating typhoons such as Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018), both of which caused billions in damage.