Tragedy Strikes as Dam Collapse Kills 14 in China's Taiwan Region

Typhoon Rajasa, one of the strongest storms in years, has killed 14 people in Taiwan and 3 in the Philippines as it barrels toward mainland China's coast. The massive storm hit Hong Kong early this morning with towering waves that reached above streetlights, bringing life to a standstill across southern China's coastline.

The typhoon woke Hong Kong residents in the early morning hours with fierce winds that tore off parts of a pedestrian bridge roof and toppled trees throughout the city. Local hospitals treated around 13 people for storm-related injuries.

Rajasa had already carved a path of destruction through Taiwan and the Philippines before reaching Hong Kong's shores at dawn. The storm's massive waves created scenes of chaos as they crashed over coastal barriers and flooded streets.

The typhoon represents a serious test for the region's disaster preparedness systems. Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines regularly face powerful storms during typhoon season, but Rajasa's strength has caught attention as one of the most intense systems in recent years.

Economic disruption is spreading as the storm moves toward mainland China. Transportation networks have shut down, and businesses across the affected areas have suspended operations. The storm's path puts millions of people in its potential trajectory as it continues moving northwest.

Weather authorities are tracking Rajasa closely as it approaches more densely populated areas of southern China. The storm's impact on Taiwan and the Philippines offers a preview of what coastal Chinese cities might face in the coming hours.