Super Typhoon Ragasa Slams Philippines with 270 km/h Winds, Triggers Mass Evacuations Across Asia
Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm of the year, has made a devastating landfall in the Philippines, bringing violent winds of up to 270 km/h and forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people. The Philippine Meteorological Department has classified Ragasa as a super typhoon, warning of massive waves, torrential rains, flooding, and landslides. Schools and government offices have been shut down as the nation braces for further destruction amid an already intense monsoon season.
The storm has had a widespread impact beyond the Philippines, disrupting life in multiple Asian nations. Taiwan has suspended all flights and ferry services, evacuating residents from its vulnerable eastern regions, including Hualien County. In Hong Kong, all flights have been grounded for the next 36 hours, and schools will remain closed for two days. China has issued emergency alerts in key cities, including Shenzhen, where 400,000 people are being evacuated. Ferry services to Chuanshan Islands and operations in Zhuhai and Jiangmen—including schools, factories, shops, and public transport—will be halted on Tuesday.
Ragasa made landfall on the Batanes Islands in the Philippines, roughly 740 kilometers from Taiwan. The storm has now broken records, becoming the 11th tropical cyclone to make landfall in Hong Kong this year—surpassing a historic high set in 1946. Scientists warn that the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms are tied to climate change and rising ocean temperatures. The Philippines, which experiences around 20 typhoons annually, continues to face the brunt of climate-related disasters, with Ragasa underscoring the urgent need for resilience and preparedness in the region.
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