Manila: Thousands of residents in the Philippines have been evacuated as the nation prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa, described by regional authorities as potentially ‘catastrophic.’
Ragasa, packing wind gusts of up to 230 km/h (143 mph), is forecast to make landfall over the sparsely populated northern islands before moving westward toward southern China. The Philippine weather bureau has issued a warning of a ‘high risk of life-threatening storm surge,’ with peak heights expected to exceed 3 metres (10 feet).
Authorities have closed schools and government offices in large parts of the country, including the capital Manila, and have warned of widespread flooding, landslides, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The remote Batanes and Babuyan islands, home to about 20,000 residents, are expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Many inhabitants live in poverty, raising concerns about their safety.
Although Ragasa is not expected to directly hit Taiwan, heavy rains are forecast along the island’s east coast. Nearly 300 people have been evacuated from Hualien County. Forests, nature trails, and some ferry services in southern and eastern Taiwan have been closed as precautionary measures.
In southern China, authorities in Guangdong province have urged residents to prepare for a catastrophic and large-scale disaster, with heavy rains and strong winds expected, two days before the storm’s projected landfall. In Hong Kong, the weather is expected to deteriorate rapidly, while officials continue to assess school arrangements.
Locally known in the Philippines as Typhoon Nando, Ragasa is facing ongoing challenges in the country, which has recently experienced weeks of widespread flooding caused by an unusually intense monsoon. Tensions are high, with tens of thousands protesting against government corruption linked to inadequate flood control infrastructure.
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