Escaping the Oncoming Storm: Citizens Flee as Powerful Typhoon Approaches
Thousands of individuals in the Philippines are seeking safety as a massive, potentially destructive storm, classified as a super typhoon, approaches the northern region of the country.
This super typhoon, known as Ragasa, carries winds with a force reaching up to 143mph. It first touched ground on Panuitan Island in the northern province of Cagayan in the Philippines. From there, it is predicted to move west, heading toward southern China.
Ragasa Raises Alarm
The super typhoon Ragasa is posing a severe threat to human life, with the possibility of a storm surge exceeding 10ft in height. Warning of such a surge, the weather experts in the Philippines have raised concerns about its potential impact.
This storm brings an array of threats including widespread flooding, landslides, and serious damage to homes and infrastructure. It has led to the closure of schools and government offices across major sections of the country, including the capital, Manila.
Impact on Remote Islands
The remote Batanes or Babuyan islands, where the super typhoon first made landfall, are inhabited by approximately 20,000 people, many of whom live in impoverished conditions. These islands are situated roughly 460 miles from Taiwan, where nearly 300 residents have been evacuated from Hualien, a county in the eastern part of the island nation.
While Taiwan will not directly face Ragasa, it is expected to experience heavy rains along its eastern coast. As a precaution, forest areas and nature trails across southern and eastern Taiwan have been closed since the beginning of the week, and some ferry services have also been suspended.
The Power of a Super Typhoon
A super typhoon is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, the highest classification for hurricanes. This means that it possesses extreme winds that can cause catastrophic damage.
China Prepares for the Storm
Officials in China's Guangdong province have warned residents about the "catastrophic" and "large-scale disaster" that Ragasa may bring. They anticipate heavy rains and powerful winds to begin as early as Tuesday, two days before the storm is predicted to reach the mainland.
Furthermore, in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, plans are in place to evacuate 400,000 people in anticipation of the typhoon's arrival. In Hong Kong, authorities have warned of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions on Tuesday and are considering changes to school schedules.
Commercial airlines in Hong Kong have already begun cancelling flights departing from the city in response to the approaching storm.
Typhoon Ragasa: Adding to Existing Problems
The arrival of typhoon Ragasa, locally known in the Philippines as Nando, is increasing the challenges faced by the South East Asian country, which is already grappling with the aftermath of heavy flooding caused by a particularly harsh monsoon season.
Tens of thousands of citizens across the country took to the streets on Sunday to protest against government corruption, which they blame for the lack of adequate flood control infrastructure.