Super Typhoon Ragasa Forces Major Evacuations in Philippines, Hong Kong Airport to Suspend Flights
MANILA / HONG KONG – September 22, 2025 – Super Typhoon Ragasa, locally called Nando, has prompted the evacuation of over 10,000 people in northern Philippines as it lashes the region with winds reaching 270 km/h, making it the strongest storm worldwide this year, according to Canadian forecasters.
Authorities in Cagayan province, including disaster officials, warned of life-threatening conditions, including storm surges over three meters (10 ft), flooding, and landslides. Schools and government offices, including in Manila, have been closed as precautionary measures. Residents were urged to remain in evacuation centers or secure locations until the typhoon passes.
Impact on Hong Kong and Taiwan
Hong Kong International Airport is preparing for an unprecedented 36-hour suspension of passenger flights, potentially affecting thousands of flights from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning. Airlines including Cathay Pacific and Qantas have already announced widespread cancellations. The airport handles over 1,000 daily flights, making this the longest flight suspension in its history.
Taiwan has also canceled flights and ferry services as the typhoon approaches, with authorities warning of extremely heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Regional Preparations
In northern Luzon, power outages have been reported on Calayan Island and in Apayao province. Authorities remain on high alert across Cagayan, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, preparing for possible damage to homes and infrastructure.
The typhoon is expected to move south of Taiwan and Hong Kong before making landfall in southern China. Chinese officials have initiated large-scale evacuations in low-lying and coastal areas to protect hundreds of thousands of residents.
Super Typhoon Ragasa highlights the growing threat of stronger storms linked to climate change, affecting millions of people in disaster-prone regions across the Pacific.
