Super Typhoon Ragasa Hits Philippines

Super Typhoon Ragasa, locally called Nando in the Philippines, has recently struck the northern part of the country, making it the most powerful storm to hit in 2025. This storm has impacted thousands of people and caused significant damage as it brought extremely strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and landslides to the region.

The typhoon formed over the Philippine Sea and quickly intensified, reaching wind speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour (about 168 miles per hour), equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. It first made landfall on small islands in the northern Philippines before moving across Luzon, the country's largest island. Around 10,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to safer locations like schools and emergency shelters. The storm caused the deaths of at least three people and injured several others. Officials reported widespread flooding and landslides that damaged homes, infrastructure, and power lines, leading to blackouts in some areas. Government offices and schools, even in the capital Manila, were closed as precautionary measures. Domestic flights and ferry services were disrupted due to unsafe weather conditions.

The Philippine government, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was quick to activate emergency response plans. The government assured that sufficient resources were available for disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts, relying on a national disaster fund worth about $147 million. Authorities emphasized the importance of preparation to reduce the storm's impact on communities, especially since some areas were already dealing with monsoon flooding before the typhoon arrived. Despite these efforts, the damage caused by Ragasa presents a significant challenge for recovery in affected areas.

Looking beyond the Philippines, the typhoon's powerful winds and heavy rains also threatened nearby regions including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and parts of southern China. Hong Kong prepared for serious disruptions, cancelling flights and advising people to stock up on essentials. Taiwan evacuated over 900 people from mountainous areas to mitigate risks from landslides and floods as outer rain bands from Ragasa passed through. The regional impact highlights how weather events from tropical cyclones can affect multiple countries in East and Southeast Asia, causing widespread economic and social disruption.

From a broader perspective, storms like Ragasa are examples of the increasing intensity and unpredictability of tropical cyclones globally, which scientists link partly to climate change. Warmer ocean waters provide more energy to storms, causing them to strengthen faster and produce more rainfall. This creates higher risks for coastal and island communities, especially in vulnerable countries like the Philippines, where preparedness and infrastructure resilience are critical for reducing harm. It also emphasizes the need for regional cooperation in weather monitoring, early warning systems, and disaster response to protect millions of people across Southeast and East Asia.

In conclusion, Super Typhoon Ragasa was a powerful natural event that tested the readiness and resilience of the Philippines and its neighbors. While authorities acted swiftly to safeguard lives and property, the storm's consequences underscore the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather in a changing climate. Communities affected by Ragasa face a period of recovery and rebuilding, highlighting the importance of continued investment in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation efforts to reduce future risks.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies