Super Typhoon Ragasa today made landfall in the northern Philippines, unleashing torrential rains and strong winds that triggered flooding, damage to homes and infrastructure. According to the Philippines’ weather agency, Super typhoon Ragasa, with 230 kilometres per hour wind gusts, made landfall over Panuitan Island.

The intense weather prompted the evacuation of more than 10 thousand residents. Roads in many areas became impassable due to rising floodwaters, complicating relief efforts.

Schools and government offices in large parts of the country, including the capital Manila, have been shut. Forest areas and nature trails across southern and eastern Taiwan have been closed since early this morning, while some ferry services have also been suspended. Authorities in China’s Guangdong province have advised residents to prepare for a catastrophic typhoon.