BEIJING — Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms Asia has faced in recent years, has battered Hong Kong and southern China with powerful winds and towering waves.

The storm had already carved a deadly path across the region, killing at least 17 people in Taiwan and 10 in the Philippines before making landfall in China. Videos from coastal areas show massive waves crashing onto seawalls and streets flooded by relentless rainfall.

Chinese authorities issued the highest storm alerts, suspending flights, closing schools, and halting transport services in several cities across Guangdong province. Emergency crews are working to clear debris and restore power in affected areas, while residents have been urged to remain indoors until conditions stabilize.

Typhoon Ragasa’s destructive trail highlights the growing vulnerability of coastal communities in Asia, where storms have become increasingly intense in recent years. Relief efforts are already underway in Taiwan and the Philippines, while China braces for continued heavy rain and possible landslides.