Philippines Evacuates Thousands as Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches

Thousands of people have been evacuated in the Philippines as the country braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa, which regional authorities have warned could cause “catastrophic” damage.

Packing wind gusts of up to 230km/h (143mph), Ragasa is expected to make landfall on Monday over the remote Batanes or Babuyan islands in the north, home to about 20,000 residents. The storm is forecast to then move west towards southern China.

The Philippine weather bureau has warned of a high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak waves reaching more than three metres. Authorities have also cautioned against widespread flooding, landslides and severe damage to homes and infrastructure. Schools and government offices in much of the country, including Manila, have been shut.

Neighbouring Taiwan has evacuated nearly 300 people from Hualien County as a precaution, with forest areas and nature trails closed and some ferry services suspended. While Ragasa is not expected to make landfall on the island, its east coast will experience heavy rainfall.

In China, officials in Guangdong province have urged residents to prepare for a large-scale disaster, with strong winds and rains expected from Tuesday. Hong Kong authorities also warned of rapidly worsening weather, as Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of 500 flights and Hong Kong Airlines suspended all departures from the city.

The storm, locally named Nando, comes as the Philippines continues to grapple with severe flooding caused by weeks of intense monsoon rains. The crisis has fuelled nationwide protests over corruption and the government’s failure to provide adequate flood-control infrastructure.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale