Manila, Philippines – September 22, 2025 – Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm on Earth this year, has rapidly intensified into a Category 5-equivalent monster, unleashing destructive winds and torrential rains across the Philippine Sea. With sustained winds reaching 267 kph (165 mph) and gusts up to 315 kph (195 mph), the typhoon made landfall on Panuitan Island in Calayan, Cagayan, at around 3:00 PM local time, bringing immediate chaos to northern Luzon. Residents in affected areas are facing power outages, flooding, and structural damage, with at least one confirmed fatality from drowning and nine injuries from landslides.
Current Impacts and Immediate Threats
As Ragasa barrels through the northern Philippines, it has already caused widespread disruptions. Thousands of families have been evacuated from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas in regions like Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. Over 10,000 people have sought shelter, while schools, government offices, and businesses—including in Metro Manila—have been shut down to minimize risks. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has hoisted its highest alert, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, over the Babuyan Islands, warning of “catastrophic” damage from violent winds that could uproot trees, topple power lines, and destroy lightweight structures.
Heavy rainfall exceeding 400 mm (15 inches) in some areas is triggering flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions like Benguet and Isabela. Storm surges peaking over 3 meters (10 feet) are inundating coastal communities in Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, posing a high risk to life and property. Tornadoes have already damaged dozens of homes in Ilocos Sur, and power outages are affecting multiple provinces, including Apayao and Batanes.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mobilized all government agencies, placing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on full alert to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Hospitals in northern Cagayan are on high alert, and flood warnings have been issued for several barangays in Metro Manila due to enhanced monsoon rains.
Forecast: What Will Happen Next
Ragasa is tracking west-northwestward at about 23 kph (14 mph) and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early Tuesday, heading toward the South China Sea. While it may weaken slightly due to an eyewall replacement cycle and interaction with land, it will remain a formidable super typhoon as it approaches Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and southern China.
- Taiwan: Although not making direct landfall, the typhoon’s outer bands will bring heavy rains and strong winds to the east coast from September 22 to 24, affecting Hualien, Taitung, Yilan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. Around 300 residents in Hualien County have been evacuated, with ferry services suspended and nature trails closed. Expect flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transportation.
- Hong Kong and Macau: The storm is forecast to pass south of Hong Kong early Wednesday, with winds around 200 kph (124 mph) and gusts up to 250 kph (155 mph). Gale- to hurricane-force winds could hit offshore areas and high ground, leading to fallen trees, landslides, and severe flooding comparable to past typhoons like Hato and Mangkhut. Hong Kong’s airport plans to halt all passenger flights for 36 hours starting Tuesday evening, and schools may close. Macau has issued Signal No. 1, warning of storm surges and heavy rains.
- Southern China (Guangdong Province): By Tuesday, heavy rains and strong winds will begin, escalating to a potential “large-scale disaster” with landfall expected mid-week. Authorities in Shenzhen have already displaced 400,000 people, preparing for widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.
- Vietnam: Provinces from Quảng Ninh to Lâm Đồng are on alert for heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges as the typhoon moves westward. Monitoring is underway, with preparations for evacuations if needed.
Experts attribute Ragasa’s rapid intensification to record ocean temperatures fueled by climate change, making such storms more extreme and unpredictable. As the typhoon progresses, affected regions should brace for prolonged severe weather, including massive waves and life-threatening conditions that could last through the week. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels.