2025's most powerful storm lashes Philippines; HK, Taiwan on alert
What's the story
The strongest storm this year is sweeping over the northern Philippines, prompting thousands of people to evacuate and preparations to be made in nearby Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. China Super Typhoon Ragasa, packing wind gusts of up to 230km/h, is expected to make landfall over the sparsely populated northern islands in the Philippines on Monday. Regional authorities have described the typhoon as potentially "catastrophic."
Preparations underway
Thousands evacuated, schools shut
The Philippine weather bureau has warned of a "high risk of life-threatening storm surge," with peak heights exceeding 3 meters (10 feet). In light of the impending disaster, schools and government offices across large parts of the country, including Manila, have been shut down. Authorities are warning residents to prepare for widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to homes and infrastructure. The remote Batanes or Babuyan Islands, home to about 20,000 people, are expected to bear the brunt of this storm.
Regional effects
Ragasa to bring heavy rains to Taiwan
Although Ragasa is not expected to directly hit Taiwan, it will bring heavy rains to the island's east coast. Nearly 300 people have already been evacuated from Hualien in eastern Taiwan as a precautionary measure. Forest areas and nature trails across southern and eastern Taiwan have also been closed since early Monday. In China's Guangdong province, authorities are advising residents to prepare for a "catastrophic" and "large-scale disaster."
Broader impact
Hong Kong on high alert
In Hong Kong, authorities have warned that the weather will "deteriorate rapidly" on Tuesday. The education bureau is considering school arrangements in light of the approaching storm. Ragasa, also known as Nando in the Philippines, arrives as the South East Asian country struggles to recover from weeks of catastrophic flooding caused by an unusually strong monsoon season. Tens of thousands protested against government corruption on Sunday, which has been blamed for inadequate flood control infrastructure.