Christian communities in Taiwan have mobilized to provide practical and spiritual support in the wake of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has left at least 17 people dead.

The tropical storm is the strongest recorded in 2025.

The Presbyterian Church responded to the emergency by opening its doors for shelter, particularly in Hualien, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Chi Kang, ecumenical program secretary for the denomination, told Premier Christian News: “Some people in our congregations saw the disaster happen. Our local churches started to mobilize themselves. They turned the church into not only a sanctuary, but a shelter for people in need."

Kang explained that many were in need of spiritual respite after being separated from their families or losing their homes.

"People could come for food, water, but also for their hearts," he said. "Our pastors were able to pray with people. That’s how we deal with the disaster this time.”

Super Typhoon Ragasa battered Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China before weakening and moving into Vietnam. At its peak, Ragasa recorded mean wind speeds of 165 mph as it skirted southern Taiwan, bringing torrential rain and flooding. Seventeen people lost their lives when a barrier lake burst, causing further devastation.

After passing Taiwan, the storm moved west, passing south of Hong Kong before making landfall in China’s Guangdong province as a Category 4 hurricane.

"Pray for the people who lost their families, and for the restoration of this land," Kang urged. "Pray that God will give wisdom to the government to deal with the aftermath and rebuild."