MANILA, Sept 22 — As Super Typhoon Ragasa barrels through the northern Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has placed the nation’s disaster response units on full alert, mobilizing all government agencies in a race against time to minimize devastation and protect lives.
With sustained winds reaching 215 km/h and gusts soaring up to 295 km/h, Ragasa has gained strength, brushing past Babuyan Island and setting course for a potential landfall on Calayan Island. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns of storm surges exceeding three metres, putting low-lying communities at grave risk.
The Babuyan Islands remain under Signal No. 4 storm warnings — the second-highest classification — and locals have been urged to evacuate coastal areas and avoid riverbanks as a safety precaution.
Powerful video footage captured by disaster agencies shows the Cagayan province battling intense wind gusts and relentless rains. Giant waves crash into shorelines while trees sway and snap under the storm’s wrath — an eerie reminder of nature’s brute force.
In anticipation of Ragasa’s outer rainbands, work and classes have been suspended across Metro Manila and major areas of Luzon. Warnings have been issued for flooding, landslides, power outages, and hazardous sea conditions.
Air travel is also taking a major hit, with more than 24 domestic flights cancelled, mostly impacting Luzon’s regional hubs. Ferry services across various ports have also been suspended, stranding hundreds.
Across the region, Ragasa’s reach is already triggering heightened emergency measures:
- In Taiwan, the storm’s outer bands are drenching the eastern coast. Though a direct hit is not expected, the government has issued land and sea warnings, evacuated over 900 people, and cancelled 146 domestic flights.
- In Vietnam, the defence ministry has ordered forces to remain on standby, preparing for a potential landfall.
- Southern China is bracing for impact with flood control protocols activated and warnings of torrential rain starting tomorrow.
- Hong Kong has announced a 36-hour airport shutdown, beginning tomorrow evening. Supermarkets are already overwhelmed, with essentials like milk sold out and vegetable prices tripling.
- Macau and Zhuhai are implementing school closures and evacuation procedures.
