September 22, 2025Sep 22 File photo for reference only Super Typhoon Ragasa is moving into the East Sea, with winds between 202-220 kph, marking the ninth storm to affect Vietnam in 2024. The storm, initially 230 km from Luzon Island in the Philippines on Monday morning, traveled west-northwest at 20 kph. It's expected to enter the northern East Sea by early Tuesday, potentially gaining strength. Ragasa's projected path includes reaching about 490 km east of China's Leizhou Peninsula by early Wednesday, while easing in intensity by Thursday before moving west-southwest into the Gulf of Tonkin. Japan’s Meteorological Agency and the Hong Kong Observatory provide varying forecasts, with possible landfalls on the Leizhou Peninsula or Guangdong's coast. Hoang Phuc Lam from Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting described two scenarios. In one, the typhoon approaches Guangdong, weakening before the Gulf of Tonkin entry. Alternatively, if it stays more westerly, Vietnam's coasts may face strong winds and rain. A cold air mass heading to northern Vietnam adds complexity to Ragasa's track and potential outcomes. Formed from a tropical depression on Sept. 18, Ragasa intensified rapidly to super typhoon status. The Vietnam National Civil Defense Committee plans to meet to formulate response strategies. Past records show the Northwest Pacific had three significant super typhoons in 2024, with Yagi causing substantial damage in Vietnam, including economic losses amounting to approximately US$3.2 billion. Looking forward, meteorologists predict a higher frequency of storms and tropical depressions near Vietnam from October to December, exceeding the multi-year average, with more than four storms and nearly two making landfall. Key Takeaways Super Typhoon Ragasa is impacting Vietnam with 202-220 kph winds. Forecasts show varying landfall locations affecting storm intensity. Additional storms expected through December may surpass average activity. Related Stories: 'It's terrifying': Thousands evacuate as typhoon batters Vietnam Typhoon Wutip Wreaks Havoc in Central Vietnam, Leaving Nine Dead Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-22
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