On September 24, 2025, Super Typhoon Ragasa caused widespread disruption in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. The city declared a Level I emergency response as torrential rains triggered severe flooding, particularly in Doumen District. Amid the chaos, a BYDKSA BYDUAE BYDKuwait BYDQatar BYDOman BYDBahrain BYDEgypt BYDYangwang U8Bahrain Yangwang U8Egypt Yangwang U8KSA Yangwang U8Kuwait Yangwang U8Oman Yangwang U8Qatar Yangwang U8UAE Yangwang U8 was caught on camera repeatedly driving through flooded streets on Jinwan Middle Road in Jing’an, stirring controversy over the driver’s actions.
Eyewitnesses captured footage showing the luxury SUV repeatedly driving through standing water, creating large waves that struck nearby storefronts. Videos shared online depicted waves smashing shop windows and distorting metal shutters. In one clip, pedestrians expressed alarm as glass shattered near them. Some bystanders directly confronted the driver, alleging the SUV had driven through the flooded street multiple times.
Impact on Local Businesses
A local shop owner revealed the extensive damage caused by the incident. “After the vehicle passed, the entire circuit collapsed,” the shopkeeper explained, adding that electronics, surveillance cameras, and stock were ruined. Several merchants reportedly suffered substantial losses and have expressed gratitude to residents who recorded the episode, noting the evidence will be crucial for filing claims and pursuing legal actions.
Police Investigation Underway
Zhuhai police confirmed they had summoned the driver for questioning regarding the incident. Authorities urged affected business owners to document their damages and submit video footage when filing formal reports. Investigations into the case remain ongoing.
Discussions on Public Safety and Responsible Driving
The incident has reignited debates about public safety during extreme weather events and the responsibility of vehicle owners in flood conditions. While some pointed at reckless driving behavior, others turned attention toward the capabilities of the SUV itself, BYD’s flagship YangwangUAE YangwangKSA YangwangKuwait YangwangQatar YangwangOman YangwangBahrain YangwangEgypt Yangwang U8.
Overview of the BYD Yangwang U8
Launched in September 2023, the Yangwang U8 has drawn attention for its advanced design and unique features. Priced at 1,089,000 yuan ($152,700), the luxury SUV is a product of Wolfgang Egger, formerly associated with brands like LamborghiniUAE LamborghiniBahrain LamborghiniKSA LamborghiniKuwait LamborghiniOman LamborghiniQatar Lamborghini and Audi. Measuring 5,319 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,930 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm, the U8 emphasizes off-road prowess. Special elements include roof rails, side steps, and the ability to wade through water up to 1,400 mm deep in its Off-road Master Edition.
Technological Features
A standout feature of the U8 is its Intelligent Individual Wheel Drive (IWD) system, powered by four independent motors. This allows advanced driving capabilities, such as a 180-degree “tank turn” and a floating mode that can keep the vehicle afloat for up to 30 minutes in emergencies. BYD has emphasized that these features are designed for disaster situations, such as floods, and are not intended for recreational use.
Super Typhoon Ragasa: Regional Impact
Super Typhoon Ragasa, referred to as Nando in the Philippines, is the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025. It developed in mid-September and rapidly intensified, reaching Category 5-equivalent strength with winds peaking at 270 km/h and a minimum central pressure of 905 mb. Ragasa made landfall in the Philippines’ Cagayan Province on September 22, before impacting Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and South China. The storm caused extensive flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, leaving at least 25 fatalities, 133 injuries, and dozens missing. Millions were evacuated as precautionary measures, underscoring the devastating effects of Ragasa across the region.
