Typhoon Ragasa threatens bunkering operations in Taiwan and Southern China

The Taiwanese ports of Kaohsiung, Hualien, Keelung and Taichung may halt operations between 23–24 September due to an approaching typhoon, while ports in China’s Guangdong and Guangxi provinces are also expected to be affected as the storm moves closer.

MAP: Projected path of Typhoon Ragasa. Hong Kong Observatory

Typhoon Ragasa, which recently formed from a tropical depression in Southeast Asia, is advancing toward South China Sea and is likely to strengthen as it passes over warmer waters. It is currently crossing the Luzon Strait and entering the northern part of the South China Sea.

As Ragasa approaches the Guangdong coast, local winds are expected to strengthen gradually, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.

China’s National Meteorological Centre forecasts that the typhoon will make landfall along coastal areas from Shanwei in Guangdong to Wenchang in Hainan on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall is expected in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, which may disrupt bunkering operations at ports including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Beihai.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has issued a typhoon alert today, with a possible upgrade later in the day, potentially affecting bunkering operations in the port.

In Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has maintained both sea and land warnings for Ragasa, which is expected to be closest to the island from Monday afternoon and have its greatest impact through Tuesday. Several sailings have already been cancelled, according to Taiwan’s Maritime Port Bureau.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds in exposed coastal areas today. Vietnamese meteorological authorities have also highlighted the risk of Ragasa making landfall in northern provinces, bringing strong winds and significant rainfall.

Additionally, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has classified Ragasa as an international tropical storm.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online