Typhoon Gaemi causes disruption in China after ravaging Taiwan and Philippines

Typhoon strengthens in China after Taiwan (Image: Reuters)

Typhoon Gaemi, the third major typhoon of the year, has wreaked havoc across East Asia, with its second landfall occurring in China's Fujian province on July 25.

The storm has led to extensive evacuations, infrastructure damage, and severe flooding, impacting Taiwan, the Philippines, and China.

Gaemi first struck Taiwan, causing significant damage with landslides and flooding. The typhoon resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries. In response, schools and offices were closed, and residents were advised to stay indoors. The storm’s effects were felt across the Philippines as well, where it triggered severe flooding and landslides, claiming at least 20 lives and leaving several people missing.

Upon reaching Fujian province in eastern China, Gaemi, moving at around 20 kilometers per hour, prompted the evacuation of over 290,000 residents. Public transport, offices, schools, and markets were suspended as a precautionary measure. Although the typhoon weakened upon landfall, it still brought heavy rains, leading to significant disruptions in Fujian and nearby Zhejiang province. Flooded streets and infrastructure damage were reported, with the city of Wenzhou issuing its highest rainstorm warning and evacuating nearly 7,000 people.

Authorities in China remain on high alert as Gaemi continues its northwestward trajectory, expected to weaken further but still pose risks of heavy rainfall in Jiangxi and Henan provinces. President Xi Jinping chaired a high-level meeting urging local authorities to remain proactive in protecting citizens during the peak of the flooding season exacerbated by extreme weather conditions.

The crisis was compounded by the sinking of an oil tanker off Manila, which carried 1.4 million liters of oil. Efforts to prevent an environmental disaster are underway as authorities work to offload the cargo and manage the situation.

As of now, no casualties have been reported in mainland China, but the situation remains dynamic. Local communities and authorities are bracing for further impacts from Typhoon Gaemi as it continues to affect the region.

(With inputs from agencies)