Communities in northern Philippines brace as Super Typhoon Ragasa threatens lives with catastrophic winds and flooding. Image: France 24.
(The Post News)– Super Typhoon Ragasa has struck northern Luzon with devastating force, where PAGASA, the Philippine weather agency, reports life-threatening conditions across the Babuyan Islands and Batanes. The storm, known locally as “Nando,” rapidly intensified over the Philippine Sea, reaching sustained winds of 267 kph (165 mph), the equivalent of a Category 5 storm.
This catastrophic weather event is wreaking havoc, causing destructive winds and torrential rains, and forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents. After its closest approach to Luzon, Ragasa is projected to move toward Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong Province, China, putting millions more in its path at risk.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, the strongest storm alarm, has been issued by authorities, alerting people to “possibly very devastating” circumstances. In northern and central Luzon, about 10,000 residents have been evacuated. According to the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government, “Lives lost cannot be replaced, but homes and property can be rebuilt.”
Schools and businesses in several areas, including Metro Manila, are still shuttered, while hospitals in the province of Cagayan have been placed on high alert. The ferocity of Ragasa’s impact is demonstrated by video footage from Camiguin Island, which shows powerful storm surges breaking residential streets.
Flooding, Landslides, and Storm Surge Meteorologists warn that Super Typhoon Ragasa could dump over 400 mm (15 inches) of rain in some areas, causing dangerous floods and landslides. A 3-meter (10-foot) storm surge threatens to inundate low-lying coastal areas in Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and parts of Taiwan. Residents have been urged to move to higher ground, prepare emergency kits, and stay updated via official government bulletins.
Typhoon Ragasa Prompts Alert for Guangdong, Taiwan, and Hong Kong
The surrounding areas are getting ready for Ragasa’s arrival: Taiwan has closed nature trails in the east and south, canceled ferry operations, and issued sea and land advisories. Meanwhile, early on Wednesday, Hong Kong is anticipating tropical storm-force winds, with maximum sustained winds of about 200 kph. Moreover, Mainland Disaster response teams are being mobilized in Guangdong Province, China, in anticipation of anticipated heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
Storms like Super Typhoon Ragasa are becoming more powerful and unpredictable due to climate change, experts warn. With an average of twenty storms per year, the Philippines is among the most typhoon-prone countries in the world. The nation was hit by four typhoons in two weeks in 2024 alone, highlighting how vulnerable it is to climatic calamities.
Advice for Staying Safe During Super Typhoon Ragasa
Residents are asked to do the following to keep safe:
- When instructed to do so by local authorities, leave early.
- Steer clear of storm surge-prone coastal locations.
- Protect your belongings and remain inside until the authorities give the all-clear.
- Use local disaster response warnings and official PAGASA bulletins to stay informed.
Super Typhoon Ragasa serves as a sobering reminder of the might of nature and the value of readiness. Numerous lives have been saved thanks to the coordinated efforts of local governments, meteorologists, and disaster relief organizations; nonetheless, the next few hours will be crucial for northern Luzon and the surrounding areas. Communities must make investments in early warning systems and robust infrastructure as climate change continues to increase storm severity in order to avert future fatalities.
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