đź•’ Last updated on September 23, 2025
Thousands of people in the Philippines have been forced to leave their homes as the country prepares for the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Widespread evacuations as storm barrels toward northern islands
The storm, described by forecasters as “catastrophic,” is carrying powerful wind gusts of up to 230 km/h (143 mph). It is expected to make landfall on Monday over the northern islands of Batanes or Babuyan before moving west toward southern China.
Authorities have already shut schools and government offices across several regions, including the capital, Manila. Emergency services have been placed on high alert as warnings for life-threatening storm surges, flooding, and landslides are being issued. The Philippine weather bureau has predicted storm surges that could reach more than three meters, enough to cause severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
The storm comes at a time when the Philippines is still recovering from weeks of heavy monsoon rains that triggered widespread flooding in many areas. The latest disaster threat has heightened worries for communities already struggling with damaged roads, weakened flood barriers, and limited emergency shelters.
Remote islands face direct hit
The remote islands of Batanes and Babuyan are in the direct path of Ragasa. These islands, located about 740 kilometers north of Manila and just 460 miles from Taiwan, are home to about 20,000 residents. Many of the people there live in poverty, raising concerns about their ability to withstand such a powerful storm.
Evacuation centers have been opened, but space and resources remain limited. Residents have been advised to move to safer areas, though transportation options are often scarce in these isolated communities. Local officials fear that some homes, often made from light materials, may not survive the impact of the typhoon’s winds and storm surges.
In Taiwan, which lies close to the storm’s projected path, precautionary measures have already been taken. Nearly 300 people have been moved from Hualien County in the east as heavy rains are expected to lash the region. Though Taiwan is not forecast to take a direct hit, its southern and eastern areas are bracing for intense downpours. Nature trails and forest areas have been closed, and several ferry services have been suspended to ensure public safety.
The storm has been classified as equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, the highest level on the scale. Such storms are rare but are known to cause large-scale destruction, especially in coastal and island communities.
Regional warnings and preparations
Beyond the Philippines, other regions are also bracing for Ragasa’s arrival. Authorities in China’s Guangdong province have issued warnings of a “large-scale disaster” as the typhoon moves closer to their coast. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to begin as early as Tuesday, two days before the storm is forecast to make landfall in southern China.
Officials in Hong Kong have warned that the weather conditions will rapidly deteriorate by Tuesday. The education bureau has announced that it is assessing possible changes to school operations depending on the severity of the typhoon.
For many in the Philippines, this disaster is particularly hard to face, as it comes just a day after tens of thousands of citizens staged protests across the country. The demonstrations highlighted anger over corruption in government, which has been linked to weak investment in flood control and disaster preparedness systems. Many Filipinos fear that this lack of infrastructure makes them even more vulnerable when disasters strike.
Emergency response units continue to work around the clock to prepare evacuation centers and stockpile food, water, and medical supplies. But with the size and strength of Ragasa, authorities acknowledge that damages could be widespread. The nation’s focus remains on saving lives and ensuring communities are able to find shelter away from the danger zone.