Super Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Northern Philippines, Threatens Taiwan and Southern China
Super Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in the northern Philippines, prompting mass evacuations and preparations in Taiwan and southern China as it continues its path westward.
Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the year's most powerful storms, made landfall on Panuitan Island in the northern Philippines' Cagayan province on Monday. The typhoon brought sustained winds of 215 kph (134 mph) and gusts up to 295 kph (183 mph), leading to widespread evacuations and power outages.
The Philippine weather agency issued warnings of life-threatening storm surges exceeding 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended government work and classes in the capital and 29 northern provinces. Over 8,200 residents were evacuated in Cagayan, and 1,220 sought shelter in Apayao province. Domestic flights were suspended, and maritime activities were halted due to rough seas.
In Taiwan, authorities canceled work and classes in Pingtung, Hualien, and Taitung counties. Flights to outlying islands were canceled, and ferry services on 13 routes were suspended.
Hong Kong's Airport Authority is considering shutting down the terminal from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning due to the anticipated severe impact of Ragasa, which is forecast to bring hurricane-force winds up to 220 kph (137 mph).
In China, the city of Shenzhen is preparing to evacuate 400,000 residents from flood-prone areas.
Ragasa is expected to continue its westward trajectory, potentially making multiple landfalls in China's Guangdong province. Authorities across the region are urging residents to take necessary precautions as the storm progresses.