Super Typhoon Ragasa Prompts Evacuations in Philippines, Taiwan

Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms of 2025, triggered widespread evacuations and closures across northern Philippines and southern Taiwan on Monday as it barreled toward southeastern China. With sustained winds of 215 km/h (134 mph) and gusts up to 265 km/h (165 mph), the typhoon was centered east of Calayan, Cagayan province, moving west at 20 km/h (12 mph). Philippine forecasters warned it could make landfall or pass close to Cagayan’s Babuyan Islands by midday, posing risks of flooding and landslides.

The Philippine weather agency issued alerts for life-threatening storm surges exceeding 3 meters (10 feet) in low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. Over 8,200 people evacuated in Cagayan, and 1,220 sought shelter in Apayao, a region prone to flash floods. Power outages hit Calayan and Apayao, but no casualties were reported as of Monday afternoon. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended government work and schools across 29 provinces, including the capital region. Domestic flights, fishing boats, and ferries were grounded due to hazardous sea conditions.

In Taiwan, closures were enforced in Taitung and Pingtung counties, with evacuations underway in mountainous areas. Hong Kong and Macao braced for impact as Ragasa is expected to pass south of both cities before hitting China’s Guangdong province. Hong Kong distributed extra sandbags to flood-prone areas, while Macao urged residents in low-lying zones to prepare for possible evacuation. In Guangdong, cities like Jiangmen and Zhuhai suspended schools, offices, and transportation, with authorities advising residents to stockpile supplies and secure homes.

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Ragasa, locally named Nando, is the 14th weather disturbance to strike the Philippines this year, compounding challenges amid a congressional probe into alleged corruption in flood control projects. The typhoon is forecast to bring torrential rains and strong winds to China’s coast by Tuesday, potentially making multiple landfalls in Guangdong.

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