Taiwan and Philippines Reeling from Typhoon Gaemi’s Destructive Impact

Taiwan is grappling with significant flooding, landslides, and extensive damage to homes and businesses following Typhoon Gaemi’s landfall. The typhoon, which barreled through the western Pacific, has resulted in 22 fatalities in the Philippines due to flooding and landslides and three in Taiwan, with over 220 injuries reported.

– Typhoon Gaemi caused massive flooding in the Dashe district of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and made landfall on the southeastern coast of China.

In Taiwan, three people died and hundreds were injured. In the Philippines, 21 people died due to floods and landslides, and there… pic.twitter.com/L1wgqmv2UU

— The Informant (@theinformant_x) July 25, 2024

For the second consecutive day, offices and schools in Taiwan remained closed on Thursday. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas due to the continuing threat posed by the storm. Although Taiwan regularly faces typhoons and has improved its warning systems, the island’s challenging topography, dense population, and high-tech economy make it difficult to prevent significant damage when storms strike.

Taipei, the capital, was notably subdued, with light rain and occasional gusts of wind marking the usually bustling cityscape.

In the Philippines, the typhoon caused a rise in the death toll primarily due to drownings and landslides, with at least three individuals still missing, according to police reports. The Philippine Coast Guard reported the sinking of the oil tanker MT Terra Nova, which was carrying approximately 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil, off the coast of Limay town in Bataan province early Thursday. Rescuers managed to save 15 of the 16 crew members. The connection between the sinking and the severe weather remains unclear, but rough sea conditions have hampered efforts to contain a potential oil spill.

Typhoon Gaemi lashed the northeastern region of Taiwan on Wednesday night, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain in what was forecast to be the most powerful storm to hit the island in eight years. https://t.co/zcwzWHBrYJ pic.twitter.com/Sw379Lfbgw

— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 24, 2024

The typhoon also led to the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan’s east coast. Known as Carina in the Philippines, Gaemi did not make landfall in the archipelago but significantly intensified seasonal monsoon rains. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed authorities to expedite the delivery of food and other aid to remote rural villages impacted by the storm, expressing concern that residents might have been without food for days.

Gaemi, which has landed near the city of Hualien, is expected to be the most powerful storm to hit the island in eight years. One woman died after she was hit by a tree. aiwan, Philippines Close Markets As Typhoon Gaemi Floods #Manila.#typhoongaemi #typhoon #taiwan #philippines pic.twitter.com/0csZFTgXFn

— TAJ PHARMA — A Health Care Provider (@taj_health) July 24, 2024

In the densely populated region surrounding the Philippine capital, government work and school classes were suspended as heavy rains caused widespread flooding. The storm’s effects were expected to persist into Friday as it moved northwestward toward mainland China. In Fujian province, ferry routes were suspended on Wednesday, and all train services were scheduled to halt on Thursday, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency.

Major Points:

• Typhoon Gaemi caused flooding, landslides, and significant damage in Taiwan and the Philippines, resulting in 25 deaths and over 220 injuries.
• Taiwan closed offices and schools, urging residents to stay indoors, while Taipei experienced subdued weather.
• An oil tanker sank off the Philippines’ coast, possibly linked to the storm, complicating rescue and containment efforts.
• President Marcos of the Philippines ordered expedited aid delivery to isolated areas, fearing prolonged food shortages.
• In China, authorities prepared for the storm’s arrival by suspending ferry routes and planning to halt train services.

TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News