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Typhoon Gaemi struck northeastern Taiwan early Thursday, bringing devastating winds and heavy rainfall that led to widespread closures and disruptions. The storm, with sustained winds of up to 125 mph (205 kph), equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane, caused significant damage and loss of life. Two people were reported dead, including a woman in Kaohsiung City who was crushed by a falling tree, and another in Hualien hit by debris from a collapsing parapet. Over 200 others were injured as the storm wreaked havoc across the island.

Gaemi made landfall in Yilan County, but its path was altered by Taiwan’s mountainous terrain. The storm stalled offshore near Hualien, causing the city to endure extended periods of intense wind and rain. Some areas experienced over 300 mm (1 foot) of rain, with mountainous regions receiving even more. The storm’s deviation, influenced by the terrain, is a phenomenon seen in other typhoons that have approached the island in the past.

The impact of the typhoon led to significant disruptions in daily life. Schools and offices were closed, and power outages affected more than 50,000 households in Kaohsiung. Major airlines, including EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux Airlines, canceled flights, and regular train services were suspended. The Central Meteorological Agency issued comprehensive warnings, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Gaemi’s rapid intensification before landfall was fueled by unusually warm Pacific waters, a sign of the increasing intensity of storms linked to climate change. As the storm moved across the Taiwan Strait, it was expected to reach mainland China’s Fujian province, bringing further severe weather to a region already struggling with weeks of heavy rain and flooding.

In the Philippines, Gaemi caused significant disruptions, including school and office closures. Heavy rains flooded streets in Manila, and flights were canceled. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reported that the storm had affected over 770,000 people, with emergency personnel deployed for rescue operations.

As Gaemi approached China, it was predicted to weaken slightly but still bring strong winds and heavy rain. Coastal areas of Fujian province braced for the storm’s impact, with boats moored for safety and train services suspended. The storm’s remnants were expected to bring further rain to southern Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and other regions, adding to the challenges faced by communities already dealing with severe weather conditions.

The recent extreme weather in China, including deadly floods and landslides, has caused significant disruption and damage. The combination of intense heat and heavy rainfall has complicated efforts to manage the situation, particularly in agricultural regions like Henan province. The ongoing challenges underscore the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

Major Points:

  • Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in northeastern Taiwan, causing severe damage with winds up to 125 mph (205 kph), equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.
  • The storm resulted in at least two deaths and over 200 injuries, including incidents caused by falling trees and debris.
  • Gaemi’s path was altered by Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, leading to prolonged periods of intense wind and rain in areas like Hualien.
  • The storm disrupted daily life, causing closures of schools, offices, and significant power outages, with major airlines and train services also affected.
  • As Gaemi moved toward China, it was expected to bring further severe weather, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, to regions already impacted by extreme weather conditions.

Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News