HONG KONG: Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest in years, whipped waves taller than lampposts onto Hong Kong promenades and halted life on the southern Chinese coast early Wednesday after leaving destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines. Taiwan reported 14 deaths and the Philippines three after the typhoon took a path between them. The fierce winds woke Hong Kong residents in the early hours, and many went online to describe scenes like a kitchen ventilation fan being blown down and a crane swaying. Hong Kong and Macao, a nearby casino hub, canceled schools and flights, with many shops closed. Ragasa earlier caused deaths and damage in Taiwan and the Philippines.