Typhoon Nando, internationally known as Ragasa, has significantly intensified over the Philippine Sea, increasing its threat to the northern regions of the Philippines. As of Saturday, September 20, 2025, the storm was located approximately 1,260 kilometers east of Central Luzon, moving northwestward.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Nando is undergoing rapid intensification and is projected to reach typhoon status by Saturday, with the potential to escalate into a super typhoon. Forecasters anticipate Nando will maintain its northwest trajectory before possibly shifting to a west-northwestward course, directly targeting Extreme Northern Luzon. Landfall over the Babuyan Islands is a possibility between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, September 23.
Current reports indicate maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 150 kilometers per hour, and its powerful winds extend outward up to 500 kilometers. The convergence of Typhoon Nando with the prevailing southwest monsoon is expected to bring substantial rainfall and strong to gale-force winds across various parts of Luzon. Coastal waters are predicted to become increasingly turbulent, ranging from moderate to rough conditions starting Sunday, with wave heights potentially reaching up to 14 meters near Extreme Northern Luzon. Mariners are strongly cautioned against venturing into the sea due to the hazardous conditions.
The Philippines, situated in a highly active typhoon-prone region, experiences an average of 19-20 tropical cyclones annually. Historically, about half of the strongest typhoons in the Western North Pacific have impacted the country. Studies indicate that frequent, less damaging storms can reduce local economic activity by around 1%, while more intense storms can lead to reductions of up to nearly 3%.