Thousands of people evacuated in the Philippines as super typhoon Ragasa made landfall in the northern region. Authorities described the storm as potentially catastrophic.
Ragasa strikes northern Cagayan province
Super typhoon Ragasa brought wind gusts of 230km/h (143mph) when it hit Panuitan Island in Cagayan province at 15:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Monday. The Philippine weather agency said the storm would continue west toward southern China. Authorities warned of a high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with waves exceeding three meters (10ft). They also predicted widespread flooding, landslides, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure. Schools and government offices in large parts of the country, including Manila, have been closed.
Impact on remote islands
Ragasa hit the remote Batanes and Babuyan islands, home to around 20,000 residents, many living in poverty. The islands lie about 740km (460 miles) from Taiwan, where nearly 300 people have already evacuated Hualien county on the east coast. While the storm will not hit Taiwan directly, authorities expect heavy rains along the island’s eastern coast. Forest areas and nature trails in southern and eastern Taiwan have closed since Monday morning, and some ferry services have been suspended.
China braces for the typhoon
A super typhoon equals a Category 5 hurricane. Authorities in Guangdong province advised residents to prepare for catastrophic, large-scale disasters. Heavy rain and strong winds could arrive as early as Tuesday, two days before landfall. Shenzhen officials plan to evacuate 400,000 people ahead of the storm.
Hong Kong prepares for worsening weather
Hong Kong authorities warned that conditions would deteriorate rapidly on Tuesday, and the education bureau considers adjustments for schools. Cathay Pacific will cancel 500 flights departing from the city starting at 18:00 local time on Tuesday, while Hong Kong Airlines will halt all departures.
A nation facing repeated disasters
Ragasa, known locally in the Philippines as Nando, arrives as the country still suffers from weeks of heavy flooding caused by an unusually strong monsoon. On Sunday, tens of thousands protested across the country against government corruption, which they blame for weak flood control and poor infrastructure.
