HONG KONG (AP) — 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. HONG KONG (AP) — 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. In Taiwan, 14 people died in flooding caused by the typhoon, and three deaths were previously reported in the Philippines. 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 after the typhoon took a path between them on Monday.