TAIPEI – Super Typhoon Lagasa has struck Taiwan, causing widespread destruction and tragic loss of life, with Reuters reporting 14 people dead and 124 missing as of Wednesday. The storm is now moving away from Taiwan's southern coast and heading toward Hong Kong and China's Guangdong province.

The most devastating incident occurred in Hualien County on Taiwan's eastern coast. According to the local fire department, a levee lake in Matai'an City overflowed on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 people and the disappearance of 124. The floodwaters, an estimated 60 million tons, engulfed the nearby village, submerging the ground floors of all buildings. Authorities believe many of the deceased were elderly residents who couldn't evacuate from the first floor in time. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and officials fear the death toll could rise.

Widespread Damage and Evacuations Across the Island 

While Taiwan was on the edge of the typhoon's direct path, the eastern region bore the brunt of its fury, with torrential rainfall exceeding 700 mm (27.5 inches) in some areas. The storm's impact was felt nationwide, forcing approximately 8,000 people to evacuate and causing over 200 reports of property damage. Additionally, about 14,000 households temporarily lost power, and 4,300 experienced water outages. Although the typhoon is moving away, the Taiwan Meteorological Administration has issued a heavy rain warning for Hualien and Taitung counties, as more downpours are expected on Wednesday.

Typhoon Shifts Toward Hong Kong and Southern China 

After passing Taiwan, Typhoon Lagasa, maintaining its "super" typhoon status with wind speeds of 55 meters per second (123 mph), is now moving toward southern China. China's meteorological authorities forecast the storm will make landfall near Guangdong province on Wednesday afternoon, after passing south of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has been in a state of near-total shutdown since Tuesday afternoon. Over 700 flights were canceled, and schools and many businesses were closed. Foreign news outlets describe the city as being at a standstill. Hong Kong authorities issued the highest-level "Typhoon Signal 10" at 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday. In Guangdong, over one million people have been evacuated in preparation for the storm's arrival. Schools, factories, and public transportation, including the subway and railway systems, have all been suspended.

Authorities in both China and Hong Kong are on high alert, urging residents to stay indoors and take all necessary precautions as the powerful storm approaches. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that Typhoon Lagasa has left a trail of destruction in its wake.