Philippines Evacuates Thousands as Super Typhoon Ragasa Nears Landfall

• Sep 22, 2025

Thousands of residents in the Philippines have been evacuated from vulnerable areas as the country braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges. Officials warn that the storm could cause severe flooding, landslides, and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

The typhoon, with gusts reaching up to 230km/h (143mph), is forecast to hit the northern Batanes and Babuyan islands on September 22. These sparsely populated islands are home to about 20,000 people, many of whom live in poverty and lack the resources to withstand a storm of this magnitude. After making landfall, Ragasa is expected to track westward towards southern China.

Authorities have taken sweeping precautionary measures ahead of the storm. Schools and government offices across the country, including in the capital Manila, have been closed. The Philippine weather service has issued urgent alerts about storm surges that could exceed three metres, alongside warnings of severe flooding and landslides in multiple regions.

Neighboring Taiwan, though not directly in the storm’s path, has already begun experiencing heavy rainfall, particularly along its eastern and northern coasts. Local officials there evacuated nearly 300 residents from Hualien County, suspended ferry services, and closed forested areas and hiking trails as a safety measure.

China is also preparing for Ragasa’s impact. Authorities in Guangdong province have urged residents to make emergency preparations for strong winds and heavy rainfall expected to begin on September 23. In Hong Kong, weather officials have warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions and are reviewing whether schools will need to close.

Locally known as Nando, the storm arrives as the Philippines continues to recover from widespread flooding caused by an unusually severe monsoon season. The repeated destruction from storms like Ragasa has raised concerns about inadequate flood management and the misuse of funds meant for disaster prevention. Critics argue that poor planning and lack of accountability have left vulnerable communities more exposed to disasters that could have been mitigated.

As Ragasa approaches, the immediate focus remains on protecting lives and ensuring that evacuation measures are carried out effectively. The next 48 hours will be critical in determining the full extent of the storm’s impact on the Philippines and beyond.