September 24, 2025 – According to international sources, Super Typhoon Ragasa – the strongest storm in the world so far this year – has caused devastating impacts in the Philippines and southern China, leaving millions affected, tens of thousands evacuated, and significant damage to both lives and property.
Philippines: Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Landslides
In the Philippines, Typhoon Ragasa made landfall on the island of Luzon with wind gusts exceeding 200 km/h, accompanied by heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding and landslides in both mountainous and lowland areas.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 3 people have died, dozens have been injured, and over 17,500 people have been forced to evacuate. The provinces of Cagayan and Abra were among the worst-hit, with key power lines destroyed, leaving over 746,000 households without electricity.
Many schools and government offices were closed, while numerous domestic flights and ferry services were canceled, causing significant disruption to transportation. Flood and landslide warnings remain in effect for northern Luzon provinces.
China: Over 2 Million Evacuated, Coastal Areas Paralyzed
After moving through the Philippines, Typhoon Ragasa entered the South China Sea and made landfall in southern China, severely impacting Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.
Chinese authorities have evacuated over 1.9 million people, with around 400,000 residents displaced in Shenzhen alone. Schools, businesses, and public services have been suspended across many cities.
In Hong Kong, strong winds and heavy rains uprooted trees, shattered windows on high-rise buildings, and led to the cancellation or delay of hundreds of flights. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge was partially closed as a precaution against storm surges and large waves.
Severe flooding occurred in coastal urban areas such as Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Foshan, causing widespread traffic paralysis. Economic losses are estimated in the billions of yuan, and rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing.
