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Typhoons

Super Typhoon Ragasa Brings Destruction and Disruption to the Philippines and Beyond

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Typhoon Ragasa looms, authorities in the Philippines have warned of catastrophic winds, heavy flooding, and power outages, forcing evacuations and cancellations of flights and ferries. The storm has also prompted warnings from Taiwan and Hong Kong, with the latter planning to halt all passenger flights for 36 hours. Scientists warn that the increasing power of storms like Ragasa is a consequence of climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to bring winds of up to 215 kph (134 mph) and gusts of up to 265 kph, prompting a typhoon warning for the remote Babuyan Islands.
  • Authorities have warned of heavy flooding, landslides, and widespread power outages, leading to evacuations in coastal and low-lying areas.
  • Dozens of domestic flights and ferry services have been canceled, while schools and government offices have been closed in the Manila region and across 29 Philippine provinces.
  • Hong Kong is planning to halt all passenger flights for 36 hours starting Tuesday, while Taiwan has issued land and sea warnings, canceled flights to eastern cities, and begun small-scale evacuations in mountainous areas.
  • In preparation for the worst, provincial disaster chief Rueli Rapsing told AFP that they were "prepared for the worst" in northern Cagayan.
  • Scientists warn that storms like Ragasa are becoming more powerful due to the effects of human-driven climate change.

Statistics:

  • Winds of up to 215 kph (134 mph) and gusts of up to 265 kph were recorded as of 8 a.m. local time (0000 GMT).
  • 36 hours: the duration for which Hong Kong plans to halt all passenger flights starting Tuesday.
  • 6 p.m. Tuesday - 6 a.m. Thursday: The time period during which Hong Kong plans to suspend passenger flights.
  • 29: The number of Philippine provinces where schools and government offices have been closed.
  • 0.8: The expected landfall of Ragasa in the Babuyan Islands.

Sources:

  • "Super Typhoon Ragasa: Philippines Told to Prepare for Worst" by Dmytro Hubenko, edited by AFP news agency.
  • "Hong Kong to halt all passenger flights for 36 hours due to Typhoon Ragasa: reports" by Bloomberg News.
  • Andrews, E. (2022). Why climate change is making typhoons stronger. Earth.com.

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