Super Typhoon Ragasa, packing winds equivalent to a devastating Category 5 hurricane, made landfall in the northeastern Philippines on Monday. This colossal storm has already forced thousands from their homes, closed schools, and led to hundreds of flight cancellations across the region as it continues its destructive path towards Hong Kong and mainland China.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Hawaii reported that Ragasa sustained incredibly high wind speeds of 160 miles per hour, placing it squarely in the destructive Category 5 hurricane classification. Forecasters anticipate the typhoon will sweep across Luzon, the Philippines’ largest island, throughout Monday, with authorities issuing grave warnings about “life-threatening conditions.”
The Philippine weather bureau has issued urgent warnings for widespread flooding and potentially deadly landslides, predicting over 8 inches of rainfall in the northern regions. In response, more than 10,000 residents have been evacuated, and schools and government offices, including those in the bustling capital of Manila, remained shut on Monday.
Following its initial impact, the super typhoon is projected to continue its westward trajectory, skirting south of Taiwan before bearing down on Hong Kong, with an anticipated arrival on Wednesday. Southern China’s Guangdong Province is also preparing for the storm’s extensive and destructive potential.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s fire agency initiated evacuations for approximately 3,500 individuals from the eastern and southern parts of the island. In a bid to ensure public safety, the Taiwanese government also closed several national parks and urged all hikers to vacate affected areas.
An interactive map illustrating Super Typhoon Ragasa’s current path, forecasted trajectory, and zones susceptible to damaging winds across the region.
Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of over 500 flights, encompassing all arrivals and departures from Hong Kong International Airport between Tuesday evening (6 p.m.) and Thursday morning (6 a.m.) local time. While the airport itself has yet to declare a full closure, Hong Kong’s education department has confirmed that schools will remain closed on both Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure.
In Shenzhen, a major Chinese city bordering Hong Kong, authorities initiated plans to evacuate 400,000 individuals residing in high-risk, flood-prone areas, alongside advising all residents to stock up on essential food supplies. Further disruptions are expected in southern China, where rail operators announced reduced train services in Guangdong starting Tuesday afternoon, with a complete suspension by Wednesday.
(Additional reporting by Aie Balagtas See from Manila.)