Super Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Philippines and Taiwan; China Braces for Impact
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm on Earth in 2025, has made landfall in the Philippines, causing widespread evacuations and damage. The storm is now headed towards southern China, prompting authorities in Hong Kong and other regions to prepare for severe weather conditions. Tens of thousands have been evacuated across the affected areas.
Philippines Reels from Ragasa's Impact
Ragasa, known locally as "Nando", made landfall over Panuitan Island in the Babuyan Islands, bringing with it wind gusts of up to 285 km/h (177 mph). While the typhoon has slightly weakened, the Philippine weather bureau warns of a continuing "high risk of life-threatening storm surge," potentially exceeding 3 meters (10 feet). Authorities have reported widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure.
Schools and government offices have been shut down across many parts of the country, including Manila. In the remote Batanes and Babuyan Islands, home to approximately 20,000 people, residents are facing significant challenges. On Calayan Island, a school roof was torn off and landed on an evacuation center, resulting in one minor injury.
"Can you see those coconut trees swaying in the distance? There were eight of them before. Now only four are still standing. That goes to show how strong this typhoon is." - Herbert Singun, information officer on Calayan Island.
Taiwan on High Alert
While Ragasa is not expected to directly hit Taiwan, the island is bracing for heavy rains and strong winds. Nearly 300 people have been evacuated from Hualien County in eastern Taiwan. Forest areas and nature trails in southern and eastern Taiwan have been closed, and some ferry services have been suspended.
The state weather service has predicted a chance of "extremely torrential rain," emphasizing that the storm’s wind field and outer circulation are already affecting parts of Taiwan. Evacuations are ongoing in mountainous areas near Pingtung, with officials fearing damage similar to that caused by Typhoon Koinu two years ago.
China Prepares for Landfall
Authorities in southern China are on high alert, with Shenzhen planning to evacuate approximately 400,000 people from low-lying and coastal areas. The city is preparing for severe flooding and storm surges. In Guangdong province, schools, offices, and transport services have been suspended in multiple cities. Residents are being urged to stockpile food and water and reinforce their homes.
Hong Kong is bracing for gale to storm-force winds, with officials stacking sandbags and installing flood barriers. The Education Bureau has suspended schools for two days, and hospitals have introduced emergency protocols. Cathay Pacific expects to cancel over 500 flights, with operations halted until Thursday. The Hong Kong Observatory has cautioned that conditions could resemble those during 2018’s devastating Typhoon Mangkhut.
Climate Change and Intensifying Storms
Scientists are warning that the rapid intensification of storms like Ragasa is linked to warming oceans and the effects of human-driven climate change. The Philippines, which faces an average of 20 typhoons each year, remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. The increasing volatility of extreme weather events is a growing concern across the region.
