The strongest storm of 2025, “Ragasa,” swept through the northern islands of the Philippines on Monday, September 22, bringing powerful winds and heavy rains equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, forcing nearly 20,000 people to evacuate. Local officials stated that the typhoon has caused secondary disasters such as flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 3 deaths, 5 missing persons, and multiple injuries.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Typhoon “Ragasa” made landfall on Panuitan Island in the Cagayan Province of northern Luzon Island on Monday, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 230 kilometers per hour. The weather bureau issued a Signal No. 5 typhoon warning for the Babuyan Islands.
Some areas of Luzon Island received up to 400 millimeters of rainfall, with waves exceeding 3 meters high in low-lying areas like Cagayan. Coast Guard members set up ropes to rescue stranded individuals.
On that day, government offices and schools in the greater Manila area and 29 provinces nationwide suspended operations and classes. Fishing boats and inter-island ferries were prohibited from leaving port, and dozens of domestic flights were canceled. In anticipation of secondary disasters that the typhoon may trigger, local authorities have evacuated over 17,500 residents.
The Philippine meteorological department stated on Tuesday, the 23rd, that “Ragasa” is gradually moving away from the Philippines but will still bring strong winds and heavy rain to the northern part of Luzon Island.