Super Typhoon Ragasa

Context

In September 2025, several parts of Asia were hit by an extremely dangerous and unprecedented storm, Super Typhoon Hagibis. This was the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025, with maximum sustained winds reaching 280 km/h. It severely impacted Hong Kong and southern China, disrupting the lives of millions.

Super Typhoon Hagibis

• Hagibis was a Category 5 super typhoon, considered one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded.
• It originated in the Pacific Ocean and gradually moved towards Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and southern China.
• The storm's intensity and pressure were such that it almost reached the maximum possible intensity for cyclones on Earth.
• Scientists believe that Hagibis challenged the conventional limits of cyclones.

Key Facts:

• Maximum wind speed: 280 km/h
• Sea level rise: Over 3 meters (in coastal areas of Hong Kong)
• Category: Category 5 super typhoon
• Location: In the 'dirty side' (Right-front Quadrant)
  • The 'dirty side' of a storm refers to the right-front quadrant of a tropical cyclone or hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere, where the rotating wind speed combines with the storm's forward motion, resulting in the greatest potential for strong winds, storm surges, and high tornadoes.
• Destructive potential: Historic levels
• Air pressure: Extremely low

Affected areas:

• Taiwan: At least 14 deaths
• Northern Philippines: 2 deaths
• Hong Kong: Strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding
• Southern China: Emergency evacuation of 2 million people
• Surrounding coastal areas: Extensive damage, power and communication disruptions

Impact:

• Loss of life and injuries: Dozens dead, thousands injured
• Infrastructure damage: Buildings, bridges, roads, and power grids damaged
• Transportation disruptions: Cancelled flights, disrupted shipping services
• Economic losses: Estimated billions of dollars in damage
• Impact on human life: Millions displaced, water and power shortages

Causes of Ragasa's Intensity

• Warm sea surface temperature: The Pacific Ocean's temperature was about 1.5°C higher than normal, providing the storm with more energy.
• Climate change: According to scientists, global warming is causing cyclones to become more intense and longer-lasting.
• Storm track: Ragasa's path kept it over the ocean for an extended period, preventing its strength from weakening.
• "Dirty side" effect: The storm's most destructive side passed over Hong Kong and southern China, exacerbating the damage.

Conclusion

Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm of 2025, serves as a warning of the impacts of climate change to come. As ocean temperatures rise, the intensity and frequency of such storms will also increase. Addressing this crisis requires stronger global climate action, robust disaster management, and improved early warning systems.