TAIPEI, Taiwan. Typhoon Gaemi, which has claimed at least 25 lives across the Philippines and Taiwan, is expected to make landfall in China on Thursday. The powerful storm has already caused significant damage in both countries, with warnings of further impacts as it moves inland.
In Taiwan, Gaemi brought heavy rains, landslides, and flooding to low-lying areas, resulting in three fatalities. On Wednesday, two individuals were killed before the typhoon made landfall around midnight, and a 78-year-old man died on Thursday afternoon after a mudslide struck his home, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Another 380 people were reported injured. The typhoon’s impact was significant enough to force the closure of offices and schools for the second consecutive day.
Taiwan’s topography and dense population make it particularly vulnerable to typhoons, despite improvements in warning systems. The capital, Taipei, experienced an unusual calm with light rain and occasional gusts of wind.
In China’s coastal Fujian province, Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of flights, trains, and ferry services. Over 150,000 people were evacuated as the storm approached. The typhoon is anticipated to bring heavy rains to inland areas, including Beijing, over the coming days.
The storm also exacerbated seasonal monsoon rains in the Philippines, where the death toll has risen to 22 due to drownings and landslides. At least three individuals remain missing. An oil tanker, MT Terra Nova, sank off Limay town in Bataan province early Thursday while carrying approximately 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil. Rescuers managed to save 15 of the 16 crew members. The cause of the sinking has not been confirmed, but rough sea conditions have hindered efforts to address a potential oil spill. Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista noted that Coast Guard personnel faced challenges reaching the area due to severe weather.
The typhoon also led to the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan’s east coast. In response to the disaster, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered accelerated aid efforts to deliver food and supplies to isolated rural villages, highlighting the urgent need for assistance as many areas remain cut off. “People there may not have eaten for days,” Marcos stated during a televised emergency meeting.
In the densely populated areas around Manila, government work and school classes were suspended following extensive flooding caused by the typhoon.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
