Typhoon Gaemi Hits Taiwan with Devastating Force

Typhoon Gaemi has made a powerful landfall on Taiwan’s east coast, near the city of Hualien, with winds reaching up to 240 km/h (150 mph). This makes it the most potent storm to hit the island in the last eight years.

Casualties and Disruptions

Taiwanese authorities have reported that the typhoon has already claimed two lives and left hundreds injured. In anticipation of the storm, the government canceled the island’s largest annual military drills, as well as nearly all domestic flights and over 200 international flights.

Risks and Warnings

The island faces significant risks of landslides and flash flooding, particularly in areas where the mountainous terrain was destabilized by a large earthquake in April. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as the storm progresses.

Impact on the Philippines

Before reaching Taiwan, Typhoon Gaemi caused severe weather in the Philippines, with heavy rains transforming streets into rivers in Manila. The storm’s impact on the Philippines highlighted its destructive capacity before it continued its path towards Taiwan.

Government and Industry Response

The Taiwanese government declared Wednesday a typhoon day, suspending work and classes island-wide except for the Kinmen islands. Despite the severe weather, chip manufacturing giant TSMC assured that its plants would continue normal operations, underscoring the industry’s resilience.

Storm Path and Future Impact

Initially expected to hit further north, Gaemi’s trajectory shifted south due to the mountainous landscape, directing its path towards Hualien. As the typhoon travels over Taiwan’s rugged terrain, it is expected to weaken before moving into the Taiwan Strait and making a second landfall in Fujian Province, China, on Thursday.

Forecasters predict up to 300mm of rain in Fujian, potentially leading to extensive flooding as the typhoon moves inland and dissipates. Authorities in China are preparing for the storm’s arrival, with precautions being taken to mitigate the anticipated impact.