Typhoon Gaemi also known locally as Typhoon Carina has hit Philippines, unleashing heavy rains, causing flooding, landslides and disruptions across the nation. As the storm moves towards Taiwan, it continues to intensify the southwest monsoon.
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Over 200mm (8 inches) of rain has fallen in the Philippine capital Manila in the past 24 hours, although not entirely unusual for the monsoon season.
The downpour has turned Manila’s streets into rivers. Residents were seen wading through waist-high waters, while some areas reported water levels reaching as high as neck-deep.
Emergency services were deployed across the city to assist in evacuating people from low-lying areas.
The flooding has resulted in disruptions to transportation. Over 70 domestic and international flights were canceled and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 was closed due to flooding.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that 260 passengers and 16 vessels were stranded at ports.
In Batangas province, south of Manila, a landslide claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and three children. In the mountainous Benguet province, landslides have blocked three major roads.
The heavy rains and strong winds have caused other casualties as well. A 46-year-old man in Nasugbo town, Batangas was killed when a tree fell on him.
In Manila City, a man died from electrocution due to the storm. Two more people lost their lives in a landslide in Angeles City, Pampanga province.
The national disaster agency has reported at least 12 deaths and more than 600,000 people displaced due to the storm. Many have sought refuge in evacuation centers, while others have taken shelter in churches.
The Metro Manila Council has officially declared a state of calamity in the National Capital Region, allowing local governments to access emergency funds and deploy additional resources for disaster response.
Government offices and schools have been closed. Financial markets were also shut down as a precautionary measure.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has instructed disaster relief agencies to provide assistance and prepare supplies for affected people.
The mayors of the 16 cities in the Greater Manila region have requested emergency funding to support relief efforts.
Typhoon Gaemi has resulted in at least one fatality and dozens of injuries in Taiwan. A woman lost her life when a tree collapsed on her motorbike in Kaohsiung and at least 58 others have been injured in the southern regions of Kaohsiung and Tainan.
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The Taiwanese government has taken measures by closing financial markets, schools and offices across the island to minimize risks.
The Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) is actively coordinating efforts to manage the situation.
Taiwan’s Central Meteorological Agency (CMA) has issued both sea and land typhoon warnings for the entire main island as Typhoon Gaemi’s winds are expected to intensify further to 240 kph (150 mph).
Streets are flooded and high winds have knocked down pedestrians and motor scooters in numerous towns and cities.
Businesses in Taipei have taped windows in preparation for the storm’s impact, while fishing boats have returned to port to seek shelter.
Most Taiwanese cities including Taipei and Hsinchu have closed schools and offices. Taiwan Railways suspended some rapid train services and numerous flights have been canceled or delayed.
Major airlines like EVA Air, China Airlines and Starlux Airlines have announced service disruptions.
Taiwan’s defense ministry has modified its annual Han Kuang War Games due to the typhoon. Some air and naval exercises have been adjusted.
Typhoon Gaemi is classified as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 230 kph (145 mph), according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
The Typhoon Gaemi has intensified, strengthening by 96 kph (60 mph) within the past 24 hours. This exceeds the intensification definition of 56 kph (35 mph) in 24 hours.
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The storm is expected to make landfall on Taiwan’s northeastern coast specifically in Yilan County. This area is close to the epicenter of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Hualien, which injured over 1,000 people.
Taiwan’s mountainous regions in the east are at higher risk of landslides and flooding due to the typhoon’s heavy rains and strong winds.
Although Typhoon Gaemi did not make direct landfall in the Philippines, it seasonal monsoon rains resulted in at least 13 deaths and displacing 600,000 people.
The Typhoon Gaemi triggered multiple landslides and floods over five days affecting rural areas and causing displacement.
Nonstop rains flooded the Manila region, trapping vehicles and stranding residents in their homes.
Government work and school classes were suspended and many residents were forced to evacuate to emergency shelters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mobilized resources to deliver aid to isolated areas. Over 4,500 personnel are on standby for search and rescue operations and the Philippine Coast Guard has been actively assisting with evacuations and rescue efforts.
Typhoon Gaemi is expected to hit China’s Fujian province as a strong Category 1 or low-end Category 2 hurricane with winds of 145 to 160 kph (90 to 100 mph).
As Typhoon Gaemi approaches Taiwan, the government has taken measures to minimize its impact. Schools have been closed, the stock market suspended and a typhoon holiday declared for public safety.
Authorities have evacuated over 2,100 people living in precarious conditions in northern regions like Hualien. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to evacuate to safer locations.
Trains and ferry services have been suspended as a precautionary measure. More than 250 international flights have been canceled to avoid accidents.
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