- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 21 Sep 2025 05:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Philippines is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, locally known as Super Typhoon Nando, as it intensifies ahead of its expected landfall in the northern Philippines on September 23. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday directed national agencies to assist local governments in preparing for torrential rains, landslides, and life-threatening storm surges, local media reported.
The Philippine weather agency said Ragasa is undergoing rapid intensification and is forecast to hit the sparsely populated Batanes or Babuyan Islands by Tuesday afternoon. Authorities warned that the strongest effects are expected around 8 a.m. on September 23, though impacts, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, may begin tonight.
Thousands of residents in northern Luzon are being evacuated, while in Taiwan, preparations are also underway. Nearly 300 people in Hualien County have been evacuated, with more expected depending on the storm’s path. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration warned that a land typhoon alert would likely be issued as Ragasa approaches offshore early tomorrow morning.
Philippine weather specialist John Grender Almario emphasised that severe flooding and landslides are expected, particularly in northern Luzon. Surrounding provinces are likely to experience heavy rains and powerful winds, prompting local authorities to remain on high alert.
Manila Faces Protests Amid Corruption Scandal
Although Manila is expected to be largely spared the storm’s direct force, the capital faced another kind of turmoil. On Sunday, thousands protested against allegedly fraudulent flood control projects, a corruption scandal that has seen billions of pesos unaccounted for and implicated several lawmakers. These projects were originally intended to protect communities from disasters like Ragasa, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of millions living in disaster-prone areas.
The Philippines, situated along the Pacific cyclone belt, averages around 20 storms and typhoons each year, leaving residents in perpetual disaster risk. Scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to human-driven climate change, intensifying the threat posed by events like Ragasa.
The typhoon is expected to have the greatest impact on Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday, with forecasts showing the storm reaching the Hengchun Peninsula by Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, Typhoon Neoguri (No. 19) has reached waters near Tokyo’s Minamitorishima Island and is expected to remain mostly stationary east of Japan after Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Officials in both the Philippines and Taiwan are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and take safety measures seriously, underscoring the urgent threat posed by Ragasa to life and property.