China to Evacuate 400,000 Ahead of Super Typhoon Ragasa After Philippines, Taiwan Hit

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – China is preparing to evacuate 400,000 people as Super Typhoon Ragasa barrels toward its southeastern coast, after slamming the Philippines and Taiwan with destructive winds, torrential rains, and life-threatening storm surges.

The massive storm, carrying sustained winds of 134 mph and gusts topping 183 mph, made landfall Monday over Panuitan Island in the northern Philippines’ Cagayan province. The country’s weather bureau said Ragasa, known locally as Nando, still posed “a high risk of life-threatening storm surge” with waves expected to exceed 10 feet in low-lying coastal areas.

Philippines: Evacuations and Power Outages

More than 8,200 people were evacuated in Cagayan, while over 1,200 sought shelter in Apayao province, where flash floods and landslides are common. Power was knocked out across Calayan Island and the entire Apayao region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government offices and schools closed in Manila and 29 northern provinces.

In Calayan, a school roof was torn off and blown onto an evacuation center, injuring one person. “There were eight coconut trees here before — now only four are still standing,” local official Herbert Singun told AFP.

Taiwan: Coastal Shutdowns

Though Taiwan was spared a direct hit, officials ordered closures in Taitung and Pingtung counties as well as the Orchid and Green Islands. Nearly 300 people were evacuated in Hualien county, while forest trails and ferry services were suspended. Heavy rainfall drenched the island’s east coast.

China: Shenzhen Braces for Impact

China’s National Meteorological Centre said Ragasa is expected to make landfall between Shenzhen and Xuwen county in Guangdong province by Wednesday. Shenzhen officials announced plans to relocate 400,000 residents from low-lying and flood-prone areas, and the city’s airport will suspend flights from Tuesday night.
In nearby Fujian province, 50 ferry routes were canceled, while supermarkets in Shenzhen saw panic buying. “Bread was already sold out by midday,” one store employee said.

Authorities warned of a “catastrophic” large-scale disaster once the typhoon makes landfall.

Hong Kong: Flights Canceled

Hong Kong officials said weather would “deteriorate rapidly” Tuesday. Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of 500 flights, while Hong Kong Airlines suspended all departures.

Regional Impact

Ragasa, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, is forecast to remain in the South China Sea through midweek as it churns past southern Taiwan and Hong Kong toward mainland China. The storm arrives as the Philippines reels from weeks of severe flooding tied to a fierce monsoon season — a crisis that has fueled nationwide protests against government corruption and poor infrastructure.

So far, no deaths have been reported, but authorities across the region continue to warn of widespread flooding, landslides, and severe infrastructure damage.

Latest Worthy News