Typhoon Gaemi struck southeastern China, causing authorities to issue warnings of heavy rain and flooding. The storm, which previously caused damage in Taiwan and the Philippines, made landfall in China’s Fujian Province on Thursday night. By Friday morning, over 290,000 people had been evacuated, schools and nonessential businesses were closed, and more than 160 flights were canceled at Fujian’s Quanzhou prefecture international airport due to the storm.
Impact and Response in China
Gaemi had wind speeds of around 73 miles per hour when it hit Fujian, slightly below a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite weakening, the Chinese authorities remained cautious as the storm was forecasted to move northward, affecting multiple provinces. Heavy rainfall and fatal flooding had already been ongoing in Southern China, prompting President Xi Jinping to lead flood prevention and disaster relief efforts.
Conditions in Taiwan and the Philippines
In Taiwan, Gaemi caused five deaths and nearly 700 injuries, leaving parts of the island flooded and disrupted transportation. Landslides blocked railways and highways, including the main route connecting Taipei to the eastern coast. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Gaemi claimed at least 15 lives and intensified monsoon rains, leading to an increased risk of flooding and landslides.
Other Events
As Gaemi passed through the region, a Tanzanian cargo ship sank near Kaohsiung in Taiwan, and a fuel oil tanker also sank off the coast of the Philippines. The storm’s impact has been felt across multiple countries, with severe consequences.
Forecast and Further Precautions
Forecasters predicted up to 2.6 feet of rainfall in some parts of China, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. Gaemi’s path is expected to continue northward, affecting additional provinces. The authorities remain on high alert to mitigate the storm’s impact and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
Zixu Wang contributed to the reporting from Hong Kong.
