Super Typhoon Ragasa Brings Destruction to the Philippines
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - A powerful super typhoon, Ragasa, made landfall in the northern Cagayan province of the Philippines on Monday, forcing thousands to evacuate and prompting widespread warnings of flooding, landslides, and damage to homes and infrastructure.
According to the Philippine weather bureau, PAGASA, Super Typhoon Ragasa packed wind gusts of 285 kilometers per hour (177 miles per hour) when it made landfall at 15:00 local time (08:00 GMT). Although its intensity has "slightly" weakened, authorities warn that the storm still poses a high risk of life-threatening storm surge, with peak heights exceeding 3 meters (10 feet).
"We are doing our best to evacuate as many people as possible from the affected areas," said Herbert Singun, an information officer on Calayan Island. "The situation is dire, and we urge everyone to stay indoors and follow evacuation orders."
Ragasa's impact has been felt across the country, with schools and government offices in large parts of the Philippines, including the capital Manila, shut down as a precautionary measure.
The remote Batanes or Babuyan islands, where Ragasa made landfall, are home to about 20,000 people, many of whom live in poverty. The islands' rugged terrain and limited infrastructure make them particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.
"This is a devastating blow for our communities," said Maria Cristina Ponce, a local resident on Calayan Island. "We have been preparing for this moment, but nothing can truly prepare us for the destruction that Ragasa has brought."
The storm's trajectory is expected to take it west towards southern China, where authorities are also bracing for impact.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Super Typhoon Ragasa is currently the strongest storm on earth so far in 2025. The agency warned that the storm's powerful winds and heavy rainfall could cause significant damage and disruption across a wide area.
As the situation continues to unfold, international aid agencies are mobilizing resources to support relief efforts in the Philippines.
"We stand ready to provide assistance to those affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa," said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "Our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines as they face this disaster."
The current status is that thousands have been evacuated, and widespread damage has been reported in the northern Cagayan province. The storm's trajectory is expected to take it west towards southern China, where authorities are bracing for impact.
Background
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with an average of 20 typhoons hitting its shores every year. The country's geography, with its long coastline and mountainous terrain, makes it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.
Additional Perspectives
Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the impact of natural disasters like Super Typhoon Ragasa.
"This storm is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on disaster risk reduction. "We must take urgent action to address the root causes of these disasters and build resilience in vulnerable communities."
Next Developments
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are urging everyone to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders. The international community is also mobilizing resources to support relief efforts in the Philippines.
In the coming days, the focus will shift from evacuation and rescue efforts to providing aid and assistance to those affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
