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Lekima’s insured losses to exceed $1.26 billion

Insured losses in China from Typhoon Lekima will exceed ¥6 billion ($1.26 billion), modelling firm AIR Worldwide estimates.

On August 10, Lekima struck China’s east coast about 320 kilometres south of Shanghai, bringing torrential rain. It made landfall in Taizhou, Zhejiang, with estimated sustained wind speeds of 181kmh, the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

It briefly had a peak intensity of 920 millibars, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Lekima’s path moved slowly north through Zhejiang Province, passing over Shanghai and making a second landfall on the coast of Qingdao in Shangdong Province at tropical storm strength. By August 12, 73 rivers reached or exceeded flood levels. Gales and heavy downpours struck all along Zhejiang, Shandong, and neighbouring provinces as Lekima moved north, triggering landslides and flooding roads, homes, businesses, and cropland.

Damaged roads and interruptions to power and telecommunications were reported all along the storm’s path. In Shangdong, operations at major oil refineries were shut down due to flood damage and lack of road access.

Train, plane, and bus travel were suspended, and ships were recalled to port. Major tourist destinations were closed with the potential for further business interruption as recovery from the storm continues.