Philippines braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa as thousands evacuated

Authorities in the Philippines have evacuated thousands of residents from high-risk areas as the country braces for the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which officials warn could bring devastating impacts.

The storm, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h (143 mph), is expected to strike the sparsely populated northern islands on September 22 before moving westward towards southern China. The Philippine weather service has issued warnings of life-threatening storm surges, with waves potentially exceeding three metres, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In response to the approaching storm, schools and government offices have been closed across much of the nation, including in the capital, Manila. Authorities have also issued alerts for widespread flooding, landslides, and potential destruction of homes and infrastructure. Particularly at risk are the Batanes and Babuyan island groups in the north, where Ragasa is projected to make landfall. These islands are home to around 20,000 people, many of whom live in poverty and in homes vulnerable to extreme weather.

Though Taiwan is not in Ragasa’s direct path, heavy rainfall is already affecting the island’s eastern and northern coasts, according to local reports. Authorities in Hualien County have evacuated nearly 300 residents, closed forest trails and other forested areas, and suspended several ferry routes as a precaution.

Meanwhile, in China, authorities in Guangdong province are urging residents to prepare for strong winds and heavy rain, expected to begin on September 23. In Hong Kong, worsening weather is also anticipated, and local officials are reviewing the potential closure of schools and other services.

Locally known as Nando, Ragasa arrives as the Philippines continues to recover from widespread flooding caused by an unusually intense monsoon season. The repeated impact of severe storms like Ragasa has drawn attention to long-standing issues of disaster preparedness. Critics point to chronic mismanagement and the diversion of flood control funds as major factors in the country’s vulnerability. 

By Vafa Guliyeva