BTN News: Taiwan braced for the powerful Typhoon Gaemi by shutting down offices, schools, and tourist attractions across the island on Wednesday. This comes after the typhoon exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines, resulting in at least 13 deaths and the displacement of 600,000 people. The typhoon’s outer bands have already brought heavy rain to Taiwan, with a direct impact expected in the northern county of Yilan by Wednesday afternoon. Fishermen were called back to port, and passengers rushed to catch flights before the storm’s arrival, amidst numerous cancellations. The storm’s intensity has prompted widespread safety measures and evacuations to mitigate its impact on the island and its people.
Taiwan is experiencing significant disruptions as Typhoon Gaemi approaches. The storm’s outer bands have already caused heavy rain across much of the island. A direct hit is anticipated in the northern county of Yilan later today. With choppy seas, fishermen have been recalled to port, and airports are witnessing a rush of passengers trying to leave before the storm hits, despite many flight cancellations.
One person has been reported dead, and dozens have been injured by falling trees. Shelters have been opened in vulnerable areas, particularly in eastern and central mountainous regions where landslides and flooding are common. Streets in several towns are flooded, and strong winds are toppling pedestrians and motorcyclists.
As of Wednesday morning, Typhoon Gaemi was east of Taiwan, moving at 18 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 183 km/h. Heavy rain was falling in the capital, Taipei, although strong winds had yet to arrive.
In the Philippines, where the storm is called Carina, it did not make landfall but significantly increased seasonal rains. These downpours caused at least a dozen landslides and floods over five days. The disaster relief agency reported at least eight deaths and 600,000 displaced people, with 35,000 in emergency shelters.
A landslide buried a cabin in Agoncillo, Batangas province, killing a pregnant woman and three children. Another death occurred when a rice porridge vendor was hit by a fallen tree, bringing the total death toll to 13.
In the densely populated area around Manila, schools and government offices closed due to heavy overnight rain that flooded many areas. Stranded residents waded through knee- to chest-deep water, with some using makeshift rafts to navigate through submerged streets.
In Marikina, near Manila, constant rain caused a major river to swell, prompting many residents to seek higher ground. AP reporters witnessed the river’s current carrying away a steel container, refrigerators, furniture, and tree trunks.
Some residents called radio stations for rescue from their rooftops or upper floors as water levels continued to rise. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval assured a distressed mother that rescue boats and trucks were working tirelessly to assist trapped individuals.
The Philippine Coast Guard has been overwhelmed with rescue requests from flood-stricken residents, including those stranded on rooftops. Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, a spokesperson, reported this surge in distress calls.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed authorities to intensify food and aid distribution to isolated communities, noting that some people hadn’t eaten in days. In a televised emergency meeting, he stressed the urgency of the situation.
Over 350 passengers, workers, and truck drivers are stranded at seaports after ferries and cargo ships were grounded. Coast guard personnel helped evacuate more than 200 residents from a coastal village in Batangas province, south of Manila, where storm-driven waves battered shorefront homes.
In Taiwan, ferry services and air force exercises near the eastern coast were canceled on Tuesday due to the storm. Despite occasional flooding, Taiwan has significantly improved its resilience to typhoons through advanced warnings and preparations. The storm’s effects are expected to last until Friday as it moves northwest toward mainland China.
In China’s Fujian province, ferry and train services were suspended starting Thursday, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. The province is preparing for the storm’s impact, demonstrating a proactive approach to safeguarding its residents.
Taiwan and the Philippines continue to grapple with Typhoon Gaemi’s severe weather, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the critical importance of preparedness and rapid response in minimizing the impact on communities.
