KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macao has advised Malaysians who are in or travelling to the region to stay indoors and be cautious as Super Typhoon Ragasa hits the area.

In a post on its official Facebook page on Wednesday (Sept 20), the consulate said that a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No 10 was issued at 2.40am (local time), followed by a Special Announcement on Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal at 2.45am (local time) in the region.

"The warning is expected to remain in effect for a certain period," the statement said.

The consulate also advised Malaysians to take precautionary measures including staying in a safe place when a tropical cyclone signal T8 (or higher) is issued, stocking up on food and essential supplies, and staying away from coastal areas.

Malaysians are also reminded to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight schedule information.

Those who require immediate medical treatment are asked to contact the emergency line 999 and inform the consulate via email at Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya. or WhatsApp at +852-6900-6390.

The consulate also encouraged Malaysians to follow local safety guidelines and always get the latest information from the relevant authorities, including the Hong Kong Observatory (https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/index.html) and the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (https://www.smg.gov.mo/en).

Meanwhile, Taiwan reported at least 14 deaths on Wednesday as a result of Typhoon Ragasa.

The typhoon brought continuous heavy rain, which caused water to overflow from a lake into nearby residential areas, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

According to the Central Emergency Operation Centre (CEOC), a lake that formed in the mountainous area of Hualien after a typhoon last July overflowed on Tuesday and flooded the surrounding area.

Authorities said 124 residents in the affected area are still reported missing. More than 8,000 villagers were evacuated earlier this week when the typhoon began to approach on Monday (Sept 22).

Television footage showed strong currents destroying at least one bridge, with residents climbing on vehicles and buildings to wait for help as black muddy water hit the town of Guangfu.

Roads were destroyed by the floods while railway tracks were also submerged.

Throughout Taiwan, at least 34 people were injured in typhoon-related incidents, according to authorities.

Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai was scheduled to visit the disaster area in Hualien on Wednesday to assess the bridge damage as well as monitor aid efforts.

Typhoon Ragasa passed near Taiwan and the Philippines between Tuesday and Wednesday, and was expected to hit southern China on Wednesday with the second highest category for a typhoon.

Forecasters expect it to weaken as it moves along its predicted path towards the west.