When Super Typhoon Ragasa swept through Guangdong Province, China, on September 24, 2025, Zhuhai City faced torrential rains causing severe flooding.
In particular, Doumen District witnessed widespread inundation, prompting the issuance of a Level I emergency response.
Amid the chaos, a BYD Yangwang U8 SUV drew attention as it repeatedly drove through flooded streets, creating waves that damaged nearby shops.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism of the driver’s actions. Some bystanders confronted the driver, accusing the SUV of intentionally splashing through the floodwaters multiple times.
Local businesses suffered significant damage. One shop owner stated, “After the vehicle passed, our entire electrical system failed,” rendering electronic devices, surveillance cameras, and inventory unusable.
Many merchants expressed gratitude to those who documented the incident, emphasizing that the footage would be crucial for seeking compensation and pursuing legal action.
Zhuhai police confirmed they summoned the driver for questioning and urged affected shop owners to document their losses and submit video evidence in their official reports. The investigation is ongoing.
The incident sparked debates about public safety during extreme weather events and driver accountability in flood conditions.
While some criticized the driver’s recklessness, others highlighted the capabilities of the BYD Yangwang U8, a premium SUV launched in September 2023.
Priced at 1.089 million yuan (approximately $140,000), the luxury SUV, designed by Wolfgang Egger (formerly of Lamborghini and Audi), measures 5,319 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, 1,930 mm in height, and has a 3,050 mm wheelbase, emphasizing off-road prowess.
Key features include roof rails, running boards, and a 1,400 mm water-wading capability in the Off-road Master Edition.
Powered by four independent motors via the Intelligent Individual Wheel Drive (IWD) system, the U8 offers advanced driving modes, including tank-like 180-degree turns and a float mode enabling the vehicle to stay afloat for up to 30 minutes in emergencies.
BYD emphasizes these features are designed for disaster scenarios like flooding, not recreational use.
Typhoon Ragasa Disrupts Flight Schedules, Leading to Widespread Delays and Cancellations
Vietnam’s airlines are making significant adjustments to their flight schedules due to the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa (Typhoon No. 9), with numerous flights delayed or canceled to ensure passenger safety.
