What's happened
Super Typhoon Ragasa, with winds up to 215 km/h, is nearing the Philippines' Babuyan Islands, prompting evacuations and warnings of life-threatening storm surges. The storm is forecast to move westward, impacting China and Taiwan, with authorities activating flood control measures and evacuations today, Thu, 25 Sep 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The current trajectory of Ragasa underscores the increasing intensity of Pacific typhoons, driven by climate change. The storm's approach highlights the vulnerability of the Philippines and southern China to extreme weather. Governments are activating flood control and evacuation protocols, but the storm's strength and size suggest significant risks of flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The widespread alerts and evacuations reflect a growing awareness of climate-related disasters, yet the recurring nature of these events indicates that regional resilience remains under strain. The storm's impact will likely exacerbate existing socio-economic challenges, especially in disaster-prone communities, and may accelerate discussions on climate adaptation strategies. The storm's forecasted path through the South China Sea and towards China and Taiwan will test regional cooperation on disaster response and climate resilience.
What the papers say
Bloomberg reports that Ragasa's winds have increased to 215 km/h, with gusts up to 295 km/h, and it is moving westward towards the Babuyan Islands, prompting evacuations and storm surge warnings. Al Jazeera details the evacuations of over 8,200 Filipinos and the suspension of government activities across 29 provinces, emphasizing the storm's severity. The South China Morning Post highlights the storm's strengthening as it approaches the Philippines, with maximum winds of 215 km/h and gusts up to 265 km/h, and notes preparations in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. AP News confirms the storm's current position east of Calayan, with winds of 215 km/h, and reports on the ongoing evacuations and alerts. The Gulf News adds that PAGASA has raised the highest alert level for the Babuyan Islands, with storm surges exceeding 3 meters expected, and notes the storm's potential landfall near the Babuyan Islands today. These sources collectively portray Ragasa as a major, rapidly intensifying storm with significant regional impacts, driven by climate change and requiring coordinated emergency responses.
How we got here
Ragasa originated in the Pacific cyclone belt, where the Philippines faces an average of 20 storms annually. Recent climate change has contributed to the increasing strength of such storms. The Philippines has experienced multiple typhoons this year, with authorities preparing for potential landfalls and widespread impacts across the region.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s Next for Typhoon Ragasa and the Philippines?
Typhoon Ragasa is currently approaching the Philippines with powerful winds and a high risk of flooding. Many are wondering how strong the storm is, what damage it could cause, and what the future holds for affected areas. In this page, we answer common questions about Ragasa’s impact, evacuation plans, and what to expect in the coming days for both the Philippines and China.
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Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping our world today. From healthcare challenges and market shifts to natural disasters and societal debates, these stories are impacting millions globally. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for you? Read on for quick summaries and answers to your top questions about today's news.
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How Dangerous Is Super Typhoon Ragasa?
Super Typhoon Ragasa is currently impacting the Philippines and is forecast to affect other parts of Asia, including China and Taiwan. With wind speeds reaching up to 220 km/h and storm surges over 3 meters, many are wondering just how dangerous this storm really is. In this page, we'll explore the severity of Ragasa, the risks involved, and what authorities are doing to keep people safe.
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