Super Typhoon "Nando" Threatens Northern Philippines

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Super Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) is approaching the northern Philippines with winds of 215 km/h and gusts up to 265 km/h, prompting hundreds of families to seek shelter in schools and evacuation centers. The storm is expected to make landfall around midday over the Babuyan Islands, according to the national weather service, raising fears of severe flooding and landslides in the region.

The sparsely populated Babuyan Islands, located off northern Luzon in the Luzon Strait, are bracing for impact. Provincial disaster chief Rueli Rapsing reported strong winds in northern Cagayan and emphasized preparations in Calayan, a town in the far north province. As a precaution, classes and government offices have been suspended in Metro Manila and 29 provinces.

This looming natural disaster coincides with public unrest, as thousands protested corruption related to flood-control projects. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, turned violent on Sunday evening, resulting in more than 70 arrests in Manila. The protests highlight longstanding issues with infrastructure meant to mitigate the effects of such storms.

In Taiwan, precautionary measures include small-scale evacuations in mountainous areas near Pingtung. Local fire officer James Wu expressed concerns that the damage could mirror that of Typhoon Koinu, which struck two years ago. Meanwhile, weather experts continue to caution that storms like Nando are intensifying due to human-driven climate change, affecting the already cyclone-prone Philippines.

As Nando approaches, communities are urged to remain vigilant, with emergency services on high alert to respond to any potential disasters. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Philippines as it endures an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year.

Key Takeaways

• Super Typhoon Nando threatens severe flooding and landslides in northern Philippines.
• Recent protests against corrupt flood-control measures turned violent, highlighting infrastructure issues.
• Potential impacts of the typhoon are exacerbated by climate change, affecting both the Philippines and Taiwan.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-09-22