Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the year, tore through northern Philippines on Monday, prompting mass evacuations, school and office closures, and widespread power outages.
With sustained winds reaching 215 kph (134 mph) and gusts peaking at 295 kph (183 mph), Ragasa slammed into Panuitan Island in Cagayan province, triggering fears of deadly storm surges and landslides.
The Philippine weather agency issued warnings of life-threatening coastal inundation, with storm surges expected to exceed 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in low-lying areas of Cagayan, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. Power was knocked out across Calayan Island and the mountainous province of Apayao, though no casualties have been reported so far.
Locally known as Typhoon Nando, Ragasa is forecast to remain over the South China Sea through Wednesday, passing south of Taiwan and Hong Kong before making landfall in southeastern China. Taiwan also issued alerts and closed schools and offices in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
As the region braces for further damage, emergency response teams remain on high alert, and residents are urged to stay indoors and follow official advisories.
