Typhoon Ragasa 

Origin

• Typhoon Ragasa developed in the Western Pacific in mid-September 2025.
• It originated as a tropical disturbance north of Yap and consolidated into a tropical depression around September 17, 2025.
• Favorable conditions such as warm sea surface temperatures, good upper-level outflow, and low vertical wind shear helped it intensify rapidly into a super typhoon.
• At peak intensity, it reached 905 hPa central pressure and extremely high sustained winds.

Naming

• The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) assigned the name “Ragasa.”
  • “Ragasa” is a Filipino word meaning rapid movement or surge.
• In the Philippines, PAGASA named it “Nando.”

Risks and Impacts

• Philippines (Luzon): Made landfall over Panuitan Island in Cagayan with sustained winds of about 215 km/h and gusts up to 295 km/h. Brought torrential rains, floods, landslides, and storm surges up to 3 meters, leading to widespread damage.
• Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Southern China: Authorities issued their highest storm signals; Ragasa caused power outages, transport shutdowns, property damage, and flooding.
• Casualties: At least 25 deaths and over 100 injuries were reported, with many missing persons.
• Infrastructure damage: Thousands of houses, bridges, and roads were damaged or destroyed; power supply to hundreds of thousands of households was disrupted.

Consider the following statements with reference to Typhoon Ragasa (2025):

1. Typhoon Ragasa developed in the North Atlantic Ocean and was named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
2. In the Philippines, Typhoon Ragasa was locally known as “Nando.”
3. It rapidly intensified into a super typhoon with central pressure dropping to around 905 hPa.
4. The name “Ragasa” is of Filipino origin, meaning rapid movement or surge.
   

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b)