TAIPEI/MANILA. Taiwan has shut down offices, schools, and tourist sites in anticipation of Typhoon Gaemi, which has intensified monsoon rains in the Philippines, causing significant devastation. The storm, known as Carina in the Philippines, has resulted in at least 13 deaths and displaced approximately 600,000 people.
The outer bands of Typhoon Gaemi have already begun affecting Taiwan with heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to make landfall in the northern county of Yilan by Wednesday evening. Authorities have recalled fishing boats due to turbulent seas and travelers are scrambling to catch flights before the storm leads to further cancellations.
A reported fatality has occurred due to fallen trees, and numerous injuries have been reported. Shelters have been established in areas prone to landslides and flooding, particularly in Taiwan’s mountainous central and eastern regions. High winds have caused significant damage, including downed motor scooters and impassable streets in several towns and cities.
As of Wednesday morning, Typhoon Gaemi was moving east of Taiwan at 18 kilometers per hour (11 miles per hour) with maximum sustained winds of 183 kilometers per hour (113 miles per hour), according to the Central Weather Administration. In Taipei, heavy rain has begun, though high winds have yet to arrive.
In the Philippines, where Typhoon Carina enhanced seasonal monsoon rains, the storm did not make landfall but caused severe flooding and landslides. Over five days, the rains triggered at least a dozen landslides and floods, resulting in eight deaths and the displacement of 600,000 people, including 35,000 who sought refuge in emergency shelters, according to the Philippines’ disaster risk mitigation agency.
A tragic landslide in Agoncillo, Batangas, buried a rural home, leading to the recovery of the bodies of a pregnant woman and three children. Additionally, a rice porridge vendor was killed by a falling tree, raising the total death toll in the Philippines to 13.
In the Manila region, relentless rains have flooded many areas, leading to the suspension of government work and school classes. Residents faced knee- and chest-high floodwaters, using improvised dinghies to navigate through submerged streets. In Marikina City, the swollen river caused widespread damage, with strong currents sweeping away debris and household items.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon assured concerned residents: “Stay calm. We’re doing everything we can. The local government won’t leave you behind,” as she spoke to the DZRH radio network. Rear Admiral Armando Balilo of the Philippine coast guard reported an overwhelming number of rescue requests, particularly from those trapped on rooftops.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged authorities to expedite food and aid deliveries to isolated areas, highlighting that “people there may not have eaten for days.” The Coast Guard has reported over 350 passengers and cargo truck drivers stranded due to the suspension of ferry services, and personnel have assisted in evacuating residents from coastal villages affected by the storm.
The storm has also led to the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan’s east coast and ferry services. Despite occasional flooding, Taiwan has enhanced its resilience through proactive measures. The effects of Typhoon Gaemi are expected to persist into Friday as it continues its northwestern path toward mainland China. In Fujian province, ferry routes were suspended on Wednesday, and train services will be halted on Thursday, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
