Super Typhoon Ragasa’s fury adds to Philippine President Marcos’ flood of woes

As the strongest storm of the year hits the Philippines, all eyes are on President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, whose government is facing a torrent of public scrutiny on disaster risk management in the wake of corruption-linked flood control projects.

Super Typhoon Ragasa, known locally as Nando, made landfall on Monday, just a day after the country witnessed protests across cities in which thousands marched to voice outrage at trillions of pesos spent on “ghost” flood control projects and widespread corruption among contractors and public officials.

The storm arrived on Panuitan Island in Cagayan province and battered the northernmost parts of Luzon Island with sustained winds of over 265km/h (165mph), according to the Philippines’ meteorological agency.

Over 10,000 were evacuated as the agency warned of “life-threatening” conditions from torrential rain and destructive winds, including potential storm surges in low-lying areas.

“Lives are at stake. Pre-emptive evacuation is no longer an option. It is an obligation of government and a responsibility of communities,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, directing local government officials to immediately evacuate their constituents away from areas prone to surges, flooding and landslides.