Super Typhoon Ragasa (2025)

Super Typhoon Ragasa is a typhoon that formed in the western Pacific in September 2025 and was recognized as the strongest tropical cyclone of the year, with wind speeds reaching 260 km/h. It triggered large-scale evacuations, suspension of transportation, and implementation of infrastructure safeguards in the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and Hainan.

_{Preparations including sandbags and barricades in Hong Kong for Super Typhoon Ragasa, 23 September 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The typhoon originated on 16 September 2025 as a tropical storm over the western Pacific Ocean. As it moved toward the northeastern Philippines, it intensified rapidly and reached super typhoon status within a short period.

Wind speeds peaked at 220 km/h at the center and reached up to 260 km/h in some areas. When the typhoon reached northern Philippines, wind gusts of up to 295 km/h were recorded in certain locations. Ragasa’s extensive wind field covered a radius of approximately 320 kilometers.

The name “Ragasa” is of Filipino origin and means “fast movement” or “current”.

Ragasa was designated as the first super typhoon of the year in the Pacific. After affecting the northern regions of the Philippines, it turned westward across the Bashi Channel and moved toward the southern coast of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, generating widespread regional impacts.

By 22 September 2025, the typhoon had affected Luzon Island and its surrounding areas in northern Philippines. At least three people were reported dead and five others missing. Floods and landslides caused severe damage, particularly in mountainous regions.

_{Super Typhoon Ragasa prompted elevated alert levels in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, 23 September 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Widespread power outages occurred in Apayao province and on Calayan Island. More than 8,200 people in Cagayan province were evacuated to safe areas, while 1,220 people in Apayao sought shelter in emergency facilities. On Calayan Island, as the typhoon’s center passed, the roof of a school was torn off and hurled about 30 meters toward an evacuation center, resulting in one person sustaining minor injuries.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of operations for government offices and schools in 29 northern provinces, including the capital Manila. As a result, transportation, education, and public services were fully halted. All air and sea transport, including domestic flights, was largely suspended.

_{Super Typhoon Ragasa prompted elevated alert levels in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, 23 September 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Wind speeds in some areas reached 295 km/h, causing extensive destruction in northern Philippines. Numerous roads were closed due to flooding and landslides.

Super Typhoon Ragasa began directly affecting Hong Kong on 23 September 2025. The Hong Kong Observatory raised the tropical cyclone warning signal to level 8 at 14:20, prompting the closure of businesses, schools, and public transportation across the city. The Observatory stated that the typhoon’s center approached within 420 kilometers of the city and that wind speeds could reach up to 230 km/h.

_{Sandbags and barricades are being deployed in Hong Kong in preparation for Super Typhoon Ragasa, 23 September 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

More than 700 flights have been cancelled at Hong Kong International Airport. These include 500 flights by Cathay Pacific, 100 by HK Express, 90 by Hong Kong Airlines and 23 by Greater Bay Airlines. Cross-border high-speed rail services and ferry operations have also been suspended. Star Ferry, Sun Ferry and other operators have halted services from noon onward. Tram services ceased at 16:20 and the Peak Tram stopped operations at 14:45.

All kindergartens primary schools and secondary schools in Hong Kong were closed on 23–24 September. Emergency arrangements were implemented across public services. Drainage services were placed on alert with 110 emergency response teams and 240 locations at risk of flooding were placed under monitoring.

The Hong Kong government distributed 40,000 sandbags to guard against potential flooding and carried out evacuations in high-risk areas such as Lei Yue Mun Ta O and Tai Po. Over 100 households in the Ta O area were relocated to temporary shelters. The Observatory warned that sea levels could rise between 2 and 5 metres and that this level could resemble those seen during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.

As the typhoon approached residents flocked to markets and many store shelves were emptied. Windows were taped to prevent breakage and sandbags were placed at building entrances to guard against flooding. In some areas crowds gathering to observe waves were dispersed by police.

_{Sandbags and barricades are being deployed in Hong Kong in preparation for Super Typhoon Ragasa, 23 September 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

On the afternoon of 23 September massive waves struck the coastline at Heng Fa Chuen on Hong Kong Island submerging coastal roads. In the Chaí Wan district a family was swept into the sea by large waves and rescue teams arriving at the scene saved the mother and child. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority reported that as of 23 September three people had sought hospital treatment for various injuries.

Super Typhoon Ragasa posed significant risks to mainland China particularly in Guangdong province. China’s state television CCTV reported that over 770,000 people had been evacuated across the province and that more than one million people were expected to relocate. More than 11 cities in Guangdong closed businesses public transport and schools. Major cities including Shenzhen and Zhuhai suspended operations in preparation for the typhoon’s impact.

In Shenzhen over 800 emergency shelters were opened and municipal teams carried out tree trimming and road clearing operations. Evacuations were conducted in some areas at risk of flooding and authorities closely monitored water levels at the Shenzhen Reservoir while coordinating with Hong Kong.

The China National Meteorological Centre warned that wave heights along the Guangdong coast could reach up to 7 metres and urged residents in coastal areas to move to safer locations.

Extensive preparations were also made in Macau. The city administration announced that all casinos would be closed from 17:00 on 23 September 2025. Public transportation services were suspended and residents were urged to remain indoors.

China’s environmental forecasting agencies have activated flood control mechanisms in several southern provinces in anticipation of the extreme rainfall brought by the typhoon. Fishing and maritime transport along the Guangdong coast have been completely suspended. Official advisories have been issued to residents in coastal areas, urging them not to go outdoors during the typhoon.

Super Typhoon Ragasa began affecting eastern Taiwan as of 23 September 2025, causing heavy rainfall, flooding, and major disruptions to transportation. The Taiwan Central Weather Administration announced that “extremely heavy rainfall” was expected in the eastern region and reported that the outer ring of the typhoon’s 320-kilometer wind field had begun to impact the island despite the storm’s center remaining at a distance.

rainfall in the eastern region reached 60 centimeters, triggering small-scale landslides and flash floods. As of 24 September 2025, settlements in Gangfu town, under Hualien County on Taiwan’s east coast, were submerged after the Matai’an Reservoir overflowed, resulting in 14 fatalities. According to local disaster response authorities, 18 people were injured, 30 were reported missing, and the majority of those who lost their lives were elderly individuals who could not evacuate their homes in time. Disaster teams evacuated more than 3,000 residents from the towns of Gangfu, Fenglin, and Wanrong. Floodwaters rose to the first floors of homes, railway stations became unusable, and a bridge over the Matai’an Creek collapsed.

On 23 September 2025, 273 flights across Taiwan were canceled, with both domestic and international services significantly disrupted. Restrictions were also imposed on road and maritime transport. According to updated data released on 24 September, the effects of strong winds and heavy rain persisted, and further transportation restrictions were anticipated.

Super Typhoon Ragasa also affected Hainan Province in southern China. In Haikou, the provincial capital, authorities implemented wide-ranging measures as of 23 September 2025, suspending education, transportation, and business operations in anticipation of the typhoon’s approach.

All schools in Haikou were closed, parks, public facilities, and businesses were shut down, and government officials ordered civil servants not to report to work. Ferry services in Hainan were halted, and all train services entering and exiting the province were canceled as of 24 September 2025, completely severing land connections to the island.

Fishermen in Haikou and surrounding areas pulled their boats ashore for safety. Hundreds of fishing vessels were moored at ports to protect them from strong winds and high waves. Fishermen also directed their boats into river branches to anchor in calmer waters.

Local administration teams pruned tree branches near power lines to prevent them from falling, and emergency supplies were prepared for the public. Sandbags were deployed and evacuation plans were activated.