Tens of thousands of individuals have been relocated in the Philippines as a powerful typhoon wreaks havoc in the region.
Super Typhoon Ragasa, also known as Nando locally, has made landfall in the northern part of the country, bringing ferocious winds of up to 270kmph (167mph).
Over 10,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate their residences and seek refuge in schools and emergency shelters due to the turbulent weather conditions. Business operations have been halted as weather authorities issued a life-threatening warning.
Footage showing the destructive impact of the typhoon in Cagayan has emerged, depicting strong winds toppling trees amid heavy rainfall, severely limiting visibility.
Cathay Pacific has announced the cancellation of over 500 flights in response to the storm’s intensity. The airline disclosed that flight operations at Hong Kong International Airport are set to cease starting at 6pm until Thursday, affecting a significant number of flights.
Philippine officials have provided a forecast of potential impacts in the capital, Manila, warning of heavy rainfall and localized flooding. Anticipated consequences include damage to health facilities, minor injuries, structural damage to buildings, power outages, water service disruptions, and transportation disruptions leading to passenger delays.
Qantas has alerted passengers to expect travel disruptions in Hong Kong due to Typhoon Ragasa. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and has outlined a timeframe for flight disruptions, with affected passengers to be notified directly for updates.
A striking satellite image has illustrated the magnitude of Typhoon Ragasa, emphasizing its Category 5 strength and the significant effects on the Philippines.
The Philippines’ meteorological agency has issued a caution regarding coastal inundation, highlighting the risk of life-threatening storm surges reaching heights exceeding three meters in the next 24 hours in specific coastal areas.
With more than 10,000 evacuees already relocated, schools and offices have been shut down in preparation for potential flooding and landslides as one of the most potent typhoons of the year threatens the region.