Super Typhoon Ragasa sweeps across China – fatalities and disruption in Asia

Typhoon Ragasa has swept across parts of Asia with devastating force, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. In Taiwan, the storm has caused extensive damage, with at least 15 people losing their lives and another 17 reported missing after a dammed lake overflowed, sweeping away both vehicles and people. The Philippines has also been hit hard, with three deaths and thousands of residents forced to evacuate their homes.

When Ragasa reached Hong Kong during the night, violent winds and floods struck the city’s coastal areas. Despite extensive material damage, no deaths have been reported there. In southern China, the authorities have acted quickly – in Guangdong province, nearly two million people have sought shelter, and several cities have closed schools, public transport and air traffic in anticipation of the storm’s continued advance.

Ragasa is expected to continue moving inland on Thursday, with a continued risk of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high seas that could further exacerbate the situation.

The typhoon has also had a major impact on our operations. Several of Asia’s largest container ports, including Shenzhen and Hong Kong, have temporarily shut down. This has led to delays in sea freight, rerouting, and deviations from planned schedules.

The storm,combined with the upcoming holiday in China (Golden Week, starting October 1), may cause disruptions in global supply chains in the coming weeks. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, follow safety instructions, and avoid travel to the affected areas.

The situation remains serious, and we are monitoring developments on an ongoing basis. Please contact us for more details and to find out how this may affect your shipments.

With kind regards,

FMS Sweden.