Typhoon Ragasa Brings Fury to Northern Philippines as Evacuations Underway

Typhoon Ragasa Brings Widespread Disruption to Philippines MANILA, PHILIPPINES - SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 As Super Typhoon Ragasa bears down on the northern Luzon region of the Philippines, authorities have suspended work and families are taking shelter in evacuation centers. The national weather service reported winds of up to 215 kph (134 mph) and gusts of up to 265 kph as of 8 a.m. local time (0000 GMT). Evacuations were underway in coastal and low-lying areas, with dozens of domestic flights and ferry services cancelled. Schools and government offices were closed in the Manila region and across 29 Philippine provinces. "We are now experiencing strong winds here in northern Cagayan," said provincial disaster chief Rueli Rapsing. "We are prepared for the worst-case scenario, but we hope that the evacuation efforts will be successful." The highest typhoon warning was raised for the remote Babuyan Islands, where Ragasa is expected to make landfall around midday. Officials urged residents there to evacuate to higher ground. Typhoon Ragasa's impact on the Philippines comes as the country continues to recover from a series of natural disasters in recent years. The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with frequent typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions affecting millions of people each year. The international community has been monitoring the situation closely, with aid agencies and governments around the world offering support to the affected areas. "We are working closely with our partners in the Philippines to provide assistance and support," said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. As Typhoon Ragasa makes landfall, residents of northern Luzon are bracing themselves for the worst. With widespread power outages expected, evacuation centers have been set up in safe areas, providing shelter and basic necessities to those affected. The Philippine government has activated its disaster response plan, with emergency responders and relief teams on standby. "We will do everything possible to protect our people and minimize damage," said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a statement. As the situation continues to unfold, residents of northern Luzon are advised to stay indoors and follow evacuation instructions from local authorities. The international community remains vigilant, monitoring the situation closely as Typhoon Ragasa brings widespread disruption to the Philippines. Background: The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the country has experienced 14 major disasters since 2010, affecting over 10 million people. Additional Perspectives: "The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to natural disasters," said Dr. Maria Ressa, a prominent Filipino journalist and human rights advocate. "We need to invest more in disaster preparedness and response to protect our people." "Typhoon Ragasa is a reminder of the importance of climate action," said Greenpeace Southeast Asia Executive Director, Von Hernandez. "We urge governments around the world to take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change." Current Status: As Typhoon Ragasa makes landfall in northern Luzon, residents are advised to stay indoors and follow evacuation instructions from local authorities. The Philippine government has activated its disaster response plan, with emergency responders and relief teams on standby. Next developments: Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, offering support and assistance to affected areas. Residents of northern Luzon are advised to stay informed through local news and updates from authorities. *Reporting by Dw.*