Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful tropical cyclone this year, barrelled towards southern China on Wednesday, local time after killing at least 17 people in Taiwan, leaving many missing and lashing Hong Kong with ferocious winds and heavy rains.

On Wednesday, Taiwan's fire department adjusted the number of people missing from a flood caused by a typhoon down to 17 from the 152 given previously.

Many residents in the tourist town of Guangfu complained there were insufficient warnings from Taiwan authorities, who are used to moving people out of potential danger zones swiftly on the island which is frequently hit by typhoons.

Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai has called for an inquiry into what went wrong with evacuation orders.

"For the 14 who have tragically passed away, we must

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