Super Typhoon Ragasa Prompts Mass Evacuations in China and the Philippines

Super Typhoon Ragasa has triggered large-scale evacuation efforts in southern China and northern Philippines as it advances with destructive force across the region.

In Shenzhen, Chinese authorities are preparing to evacuate approximately 400,000 residents from vulnerable coastal and low-lying zones. Several cities in Guangdong province have cancelled classes, suspended work, and halted public transportation to mitigate risks posed by the approaching storm.

Meanwhile, the typhoon made landfall on Calayan Island, part of the Babuyan Islands in the northern Philippines, at 3:00 pm local time. The Philippine weather agency reported sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (134 mph) and gusts reaching 295 km/h near the storm’s eye.

Locals described the fierce conditions firsthand. "I woke up because of the strong wind. It was hitting the windows, and it sounded like a machine that was switched on," said Tirso Tugagao from the coastal town of Aparri in Cagayan province.

On Calayan Island, Herbert Singun, a local information officer, reported that parts of a school roof were torn off and propelled onto a nearby evacuation center, injuring one person lightly. He also noted the catastrophic damage to local vegetation: "There were eight coconut trees swaying before. Now only four are still standing. That shows how strong this typhoon is."

Over 10,000 residents have been evacuated across the Philippines, with widespread closures of schools and government offices in Manila and 29 provinces. The approaching typhoon has disrupted air travel as well; Cathay Pacific announced plans to cancel more than 500 flights at Hong Kong International Airport, suspending passenger operations from 6:00 pm Tuesday, with services expected to resume by Thursday daytime.

Taiwan is also bracing for impact. The national weather service forecasts "extremely torrential rain" in eastern regions due to the storm’s expansive 320-kilometer radius, whose strong winds and outer bands are already affecting the island. James Wu, a fire department official in mountainous Pingtung, shared concerns about potential damage similar to that inflicted by Typhoon Koinu two years ago, which caused widespread power outages and structural destruction.

Philippine weather expert John Grender Almario warned of "severe flooding and landslides" in northern Luzon. This warning comes amidst recent public protests over corruption scandals linked to failed or incomplete flood control infrastructure projects.

As the first significant landmass in the Pacific cyclone belt, the Philippines confronts an average of 20 storms annually, leaving many communities perpetually vulnerable. Climate scientists caution that global warming driven by human activities is intensifying these storms, heightening their destructive potential.

Authorities continue to monitor the storm closely and urge residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety directives.