Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday directed the entire government machinery to prepare for Super Typhoon Nando, known internationally as Ragasa, as it barrels toward Luzon. He instructed national agencies to assist local governments in preparing for the expected torrential rains, landslides, and life-threatening storm surges across northern Luzon.
According to Philippines News Agency, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV stated that President Marcos has instructed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and its 44 member-agencies to stay on full alert until Nando exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Alejandro emphasized the President’s call for a proactive approach in supporting local government units.
Alejandro added that response clusters led by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. have been activated. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that Nando strengthened into a super typhoon on Sunday morning, with expectations of up to 200 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours. Authorities are warning of severe flooding, landslides, and storm surges exceeding three meters in Batanes and Cagayan, up to three meters in Ilocos Norte, and one to two meters in Ilocos Sur and other coastal towns.
The regions expected to be most affected include Regions 1 (Ilocos) and 2 (Cagayan Valley), along with the Cordillera Administrative Region. The storm’s impact, amplified by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Depression Mirasol, is also forecasted to affect Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Bicol. Data indicates that as of early Sunday, 184 barangays in the Cagayan, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga regions have been affected by rains linked to Nando and the enhanced monsoon, displacing 28,831 families or 104,151 individuals. At least eight evacuation centers have been opened, currently hosting 165 families or 497 persons.
In Batanes, Governor Ronald Aguto reported about 70 tourists are stranded after Philippine Airlines suspended all flights to and from the island until September 23. Local officials are coordinating with the Philippine Air Force for possible C-130 flights if commercial operations remain grounded.
Alejandro stressed the importance of shared disaster preparedness responsibility, urging everyone to cooperate and follow advisories to ensure safety. He assured local governments of continuous round-the-clock coordination and preparedness from national agencies.