News
Taiwan Grounds Flights as Typhoon Gaemi Approaches
Taiwan is preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Gaemi, which is expected to make landfall on the island’s northeast coast late on Wednesday. As the first typhoon of the season to impact the island, Gaemi has prompted the cancellation of major parts of Taiwan’s largest annual military exercises and disrupted air travel.
The Transport Ministry announced the cancellation of almost all domestic flights and over 200 international flights as the island braces for the storm. Gaemi’s powerful winds of up to 240 km/h (150 mph), equivalent to a high-category 4 hurricane, pose significant risks to the region.
Gaemi has already caused widespread flooding in the Philippines, particularly in Manila, where relentless rains have turned streets into rivers. Taiwan’s government has declared Wednesday a typhoon day, suspending work and classes across the island, except for the Kinmen islands.
The storm is currently tracking slightly north and is expected to pass through northern Taiwan, including the capital, Taipei, late Wednesday night. It will then move into the Taiwan Strait on Thursday before striking Fujian’s coast in southeastern China.
Despite the strong winds, the primary concern is the immense amount of moisture Gaemi carries. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration has issued a land warning for the entire island, forecasting that the worst wind and rain will occur on Wednesday and Thursday.
Authorities warn that more than one meter of rainfall is expected in the central and southern mountains over the next 24 hours. These areas, previously destabilized by an earthquake earlier this year, face the risk of landslides and flash flooding.
In Taipei, residents are already experiencing heavy rain and increasing winds. Supermarket shelves were emptied on Tuesday evening as people stocked up in anticipation of potential price hikes following the typhoon.
The impending storm has also led to the cancellation of parts of the Hang Kuang military drills scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Despite previous claims that these would be “the most realistic ever,” the government prioritized safety due to the typhoon’s threat.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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