Typhoon Gaemi has caused widespread devastation as it made its way through southeastern China and Taiwan. In China, the typhoon prompted the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in Fujian province due to warnings of swelling rivers, flash floods, and waterlogging. Gaemi made landfall in Fujian with wind gusts of up to 141 miles per hour, causing concerns about intense rainfall in at least 10 Chinese provinces.
Authorities are warning of the potential for flash floods and waterlogging, particularly in parts of northern China where the soil remains saturated from previous storms. The storm’s high vapour content could also lead to strong rainfall in Beijing, despite weakening into a tropical depression.
In Taiwan, Gaemi resulted in the deaths of three people and caused widespread flooding. A freighter with nine crew members sank off the coast of Kaohsiung, with three individuals found alive on the shoreline. The storm cut power to half a million households in Taiwan, although most have since been restored. Schools, offices, and financial markets remained closed for a second day, with train services and flights cancelled.
The Philippines also experienced the destructive force of Gaemi, with the death toll reaching 22 and an oil tanker sinking off Bataan province. Despite the challenges posed by Gaemi, authorities in the affected regions are working to address the aftermath and ensure the safety of residents.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
