Typhoon Gaemi is wreaking havoc across Taiwan, claiming at least two lives and injuring hundreds as it brings heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a hazardous storm surge to the island. Authorities have responded by closing financial markets, schools, and offices.
According to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operations Center, the fatalities include a woman in Kaohsiung City who was killed by a falling tree while riding a motorcycle, and another woman in Hualien who was struck by a falling parapet. More than 201 people have been reported injured.
Initially expected to strengthen into a super typhoon, Gaemi deviated from its forecast path due to Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, looping near the Hualien coastline for over six hours before potentially making landfall. This deviation has resulted in prolonged exposure to severe weather conditions, including winds exceeding 100 mph (160 kph) and rainfall surpassing 300 mm (1 foot) in many areas, with mountainous regions receiving over 500 mm (1.5 feet).
The storm’s interaction with the land has slightly weakened it, reducing its top winds from 230 kph (145 mph) to 205 kph (125 mph), categorizing it as a strong Category 3 hurricane-equivalent, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Taiwan, accustomed to typhoons, has a robust infrastructure for preparing for such events, though remote and mountainous areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides and flooding. The Central Meteorological Agency (CMA) has issued a comprehensive typhoon warning for the entire main island, and President Lai Ching-te has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
In Taipei and other cities, businesses have boarded up windows, schools and offices are closed, and Taiwan Railways has suspended some rapid train services. More than 50,000 households in Kaohsiung City are without power. Major airlines, including EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux Airlines, have canceled numerous flights.
Typhoon Gaemi’s impact extends beyond Taiwan, as it has also caused significant disruptions in the Philippines. Heavy rains and flooding in Manila and Luzon have led to school and government office closures, with the Philippine Stock Exchange halting trading. Over 770,000 people have been affected by the storm and southwest monsoon, and 4,500 personnel are on standby for search and rescue operations.
In China, Gaemi is expected to make landfall on Thursday as a strong Category 1 or low-end Category 2 hurricane. Coastal areas of Fujian province are preparing for the worst, with trains suspended and boats moored for shelter. The remnants of Gaemi are anticipated to bring heavy rainfall further north into Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces, which have already experienced severe flooding and displacement in recent weeks.
The current flood season, beginning unusually early, has compounded issues in China, where recent extreme weather has severely affected agriculture and forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.
As Gaemi continues its path through the region, the focus remains on managing the immediate impacts and preparing for potential further disruptions.