Panuitan Island, Philippines—A powerful super typhoon that has already displaced thousands is experiencing a slight decrease in intensity, as reported by the country’s meteorological agency. Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall on Panuitan Island, part of the Babuyan Islands in Cagayan province, at 3 p.m. local time on Monday. With sustained winds reaching up to 285 kilometers per hour (177 mph), the storm is predicted to continue moving westward toward southern China.
While Ragasa may have weakened somewhat, the Philippine weather bureau cautions that the storm still poses a significant threat, including life-threatening storm surges potentially exceeding three meters (10 feet). Authorities are bracing for widespread flooding, landslides, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
In preparation for the storm, schools and government offices across large regions of the Philippines, including the capital, Manila, have closed their doors. The Babuyan Islands, where the super typhoon first struck, are home to about 20,000 residents, many of whom endure poverty.
Herbert Singun, a local information officer on Calayan Island, conveyed the storm’s power during a video call. “Can you see those coconut trees swaying in the distance? There were eight of them before. Now only four are still standing. That goes to show how strong this typhoon is,” he remarked, describing the damage already inflicted.
The storms’ effects are also being felt in Taiwan, located approximately 740 kilometers (460 miles) away. While Ragasa is not expected to make direct landfall on the island, nearly 300 residents in Hualien County have already been evacuated, and heavy rains are anticipated to hit the eastern coast. As a precaution, authorities have closed forest areas and nature trails while suspending some ferry services.
In mainland China, preparations are underway as the storm approaches. Officials in Guangdong province have alerted citizens to get ready for what could be a catastrophic disaster. Heavy downpours and strong winds may begin to impact the area as soon as Tuesday. The city of Shenzhen is planning to evacuate 400,000 residents to mitigate risks associated with the storm.
The effects of Ragasa are expected to be felt in Hong Kong as well, with officials warning that weather conditions may deteriorate rapidly on Tuesday. In light of the approaching storm, Cathay Pacific has announced the cancellation of 500 flights, while Hong Kong Airlines is halting all departures from the city.
Ragasa, locally known as Nando, arrives as the Philippines continues to grapple with the aftermath of extensive flooding linked to an unusually severe monsoon season. The situation has spurred widespread public outcry regarding government shortcomings in flood management. Tens of thousands took to the streets in protests over the weekend, voicing discontent over alleged corruption and the lack of essential infrastructure.
As residents brace for Ragasa’s full impact, the looming threat underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons in the region, further complicating efforts for recovery and resilience.