Did Super Typhoon Ragasa Devastate Northern Philippines?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused significant damage in the northern Philippines.
- Over 10,000 residents have been evacuated.
- Winds reached speeds of up to 295 km/h.
- Authorities have suspended work and classes in affected areas.
- PAGASA predicts the typhoon will exit the area by Tuesday morning.
Manila, Sep 22 (NationPress) Super Typhoon Ragasa struck the northern Philippines on Monday, unleashing heavy rains and fierce winds that resulted in flooding, uprooted trees, and damaged roofs on homes.
The severe weather led to the evacuation of over 10,000 residents as officials worked to ensure public safety. Many roads became unpassable due to rising floodwaters, hindering relief efforts.
Ragasa, in conjunction with an intensified southwest monsoon, caused the suspension of operations in government offices and classes across all levels in Metro Manila and 29 provinces on Monday, according to Xinhua news agency.
The Philippine state weather bureau, PAGASA, reported that Ragasa was moving westward at 25 km/h, packing winds of 215 km/h and gusts reaching up to 295 km/h.
PAGASA anticipates that Ragasa will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday morning.
Typically, around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. The archipelago is particularly susceptible to tropical cyclones, which frequently bring intense rainfall, flooding, and strong winds, resulting in casualties and damage to crops and properties.
On a related note, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered ministries, sectors, and localities to implement early and high-level measures in response to Typhoon Ragasa, as reported by Vietnam News Agency.
He emphasized the priority of ensuring public safety and minimizing property destruction for both residents and the government.
Coastal authorities from Quang Ninh to Quang Ngai have been urged to cancel unnecessary meetings and mobilize resources to prepare for the typhoon.
The Ministry of Education and Training has instructed schools in affected regions to devise online learning strategies and suspend classes if needed.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the typhoon is expected to make landfall between Quang Ninh and Ha Tinh provinces on Thursday, with significant intensity and unpredictable developments.