Typhoon Gaemi Brings Devastating Flooding and Destruction to Taiwan and Philippines
A powerful typhoon, Gaemi, has ravaged Taiwan and the Philippines, bringing widespread destruction and loss of life. As the storm made landfall on Wednesday night, it brought sustained winds of 190 kilometers per hour, causing heavy flooding and landslides.
Taiwan was the worst-hit region, with five people confirmed killed and around 500 injured. The city of Kaohsiung was particularly affected, with entire streets transformed into rivers and thousands of homes flooded. The storm also claimed the lives of 20 people in the Philippines, where it triggered flooding and landslides.
The typhoon also saw a cargo ship sink off Taiwan’s coast, with nine crew members forced to abandon ship in life jackets. Rescuers are still searching for the missing sailors, with two crew members reportedly brought to a police station in the late afternoon.
As the storm made its way to China’s Fujian province, authorities issued flood warnings and suspended all train services. The national water resources ministry warned of extremely heavy rains that would swell rivers and lakes, with the second-highest flood warning alert level in place.
In the Philippines, cleanup efforts were underway on Thursday, as residents and business owners struggled to clear the streets and return to normal life. Street vendor Zenaida Cuerda, 55, told AFP that she had lost everything after her food stall and home in Manila were flooded.
The devastating impact of Typhoon Gaemi comes as the region experiences frequent tropical storms, and experts warn that climate change is making these storms more intense and destructive.
Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled as a result of the storm, and troops were deployed to help with disaster relief efforts. The annual Han Kuang war games, which were partially cancelled due to the weather, were also terminated a day early.
Despite the devastation, authorities are racing to contain the damage and provide aid to affected communities. As the region begins the process of recovery, it is clear that Typhoon Gaemi will have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
