Super Typhoon Ragasa: The Most Powerful Storm of 2025

Strategic Insights -

Super Typhoon Ragasa, also known as Nando, has made landfall in the Philippines and is wreaking havoc on the region. Equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, the storm has caused widespread destruction and has prompted extensive emergency preparedness in multiple countries. With maximum sustained winds of 270 km/h, Ragasa has become a significant regional threat, affecting East and Southeast Asia and prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. The storm's rapid intensification and life-threatening storm surges have made it a major concern for authorities, who are working to minimize potential damage and protect populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Super Typhoon Ragasa formed in the Philippine Sea and made landfall on Panuitan Island in Cagayan Province, Philippines, causing life-threatening storm surges and widespread power outages.
  • The storm has caused damage to infrastructure, with roughly 10,000 people evacuated, 2 fatalities, and 9 injuries reported.
  • Ragasa crossed the South China Sea, prompting heightened preparations in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong Province in China.
  • Preparations in China, Hong Kong, and Macau included evacuation orders, school and office closures, and suspension of public transport.
  • Taiwan and Vietnam are on alert for indirect effects, with land and sea warnings issued, domestic flights cancelled, and military forces monitoring the storm.
  • The 2025 Pacific typhoon season has seen several highly intense cyclones, with Ragasa emerging as the most severe storm of the season.
  • The five strongest typhoons of 2025, ranked by 10-minute sustained wind speed, are: Ragasa (Nando), Neoguri, Podul (Gorio), Kajiki (Isang), and Krosa.
  • Authorities across the region have implemented large-scale emergency response measures to minimize potential damage and protect populations.

Statistics:

  • Maximum sustained winds: 270 km/h
  • Storm surges: Life-threatening
  • Evacuated: 10,000 people
  • Fatalities: 2
  • Injuries: 9
  • Affected countries: Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Vietnam
  • Top 5 strongest storms of 2025, ranked by 10-minute sustained wind speed:

+ Ragasa (Nando): 205 km/h

+ Neoguri: 195 km/h

+ Podul (Gorio): 150 km/h

+ Kajiki (Isang): 150 km/h

+ Krosa: 140 km/h

Sources:

  • Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
  • National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
  • Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
  • China Meteorological Administration (CMA)
  • Hong Kong Observatory (HKO)
  • Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (MGB)