MANILA - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered the disaster response agency to go on full alert and mobilise all government agencies as Super Typhoon Ragasa threatened the north of the country.

Packing winds of 215 kph and gusts of up to 295 kph, Ragasa slightly intensified as it brushed Babuyan Island and headed for possible landfall over Calayan Island, raising the risk of storm surges exceeding three meters, the state weather agency said.

The Babuyan islands remained under a high-level storm warning signal, with residents advised to stay away from coastal areas and riverbanks.

Video clips shared by disaster agencies showed the northern Cagayan province being pummelled by fierce winds and heavy rain, triggering strong waves and sending trees swaying violently.

The government suspended work and classes across Metro Manila and large parts of Luzon as outer rainbands began lashing the region, prompting warnings of power outages, landslides, floods, and dangerous seas.

Airlines have cancelled two dozen domestic flights, mostly serving Luzon's main hubs, while ports have suspended ferry services.