‘Super typhoon’ triggers Asia travel advisories and flight cancellations 

A ‘super typhoon’ threat has triggered Foreign Office travel advisories for multiple countries across Asia.

 

Alerts about Typhoon Ragasa were issued for China, Hong Kong (pictured), Macao and the Philippines. 

 

Cathay Pacific waived rebooking, re-routing and refund charges as it cancelled a reported 500 flights to and from Hong Kong between 6pm local time today (Tuesday) and 6am on Thursday.

 

“Further flight delays and cancellations may be required based on weather conditions and the typhoon’s path over the coming two days,” the airline said. 

 

“Due to the predicted severity of the super typhoon, our in-town check-in facility at Hong Kong and Kowloon will be closed during this period.

 

“Due to the large number of flight cancellations, we thank our customers in advance for their patience and understanding while we make their alternative travel arrangements.”

 

Cathay Pacific and regional arm HK Express carried more than 110,000 passengers a day in August.

 

Typoon Ragasa is expected to impact Hong Kong today and tomorrow.

 

“There will likely be heavy rainfall causing disruption to services, strong winds and possible flooding,” the FCDO said.

 

“Typhoons can change course and intensity. Monitor local news and check the World Meteorological Organization and Hong Kong Observatory.

 

“Follow the advice of local authorities. If you are due to travel, check for messages from your travel provider.”

 

Typhoon Ragasa is currently expected to bring heavy rainfall and “devastating wind impacts” to the remote Batanes or Babuyan Islands in the northern Philippines, according to latest Foreign. Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice. 

 

“Typhoons can change course and intensity. Follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the progress of storms,” the FCDO added.

 

The typhoon, reportedly packing wind gusts of up to 177mph, is expected to impact regions of southern China - Guangxi, Guangzhou, Fujian and Hainan - from today (Tuesday) until Thursday. 

 

“There will likely be heavy rainfall causing disruption to services and possible flooding and landslides,” The FCDO noted.

 

Authorities in China’s Guangdong province have advised residents to prepare for a "catastrophic" and "large-scale disaster". 

 

Heavy rains and strong winds would be felt as early as Tuesday.

 

The Chinese city of Shenzhen reportedly plans to evacuate 400,000 people ahead of the typhoon.

 

A super typhoon is the equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane.