Locations Affected: Taiwan, Philippines, China
What:
Typhoon Gaemi, also known as Typhoon Carina in the Philippines, made landfall in Taiwan’s eastern Yilan county at around midnight on 25th July. The storm has already caused heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides in both Taiwan and the Philippines. After crossing the Taiwan Strait, it will likely affect China’s Zhejiang and Fujian provinces.
In Taiwan, more than 8,500 people have been evacuated from perilous locations, especially from mountain areas at high risk of landslides due to the heavy rainfall. In the Philippines, at least twelve fatalities have been reported, and thousands of residents displaced to evacuation centres.
Why:
Typhoon Gaemi has experienced an increase in strength, with wind speeds surging to 96 kph (60 mph) within just 24 hours. This rapid intensification, fuelled by high ocean temperatures, exceeds the typical threshold of 56 kph (35 mph) in a day.
So What:
- Taiwan has suspended work and school across the island on 24th and 25th July. The Central Meteorological Agency (CMA) has issued a comprehensive sea and land typhoon warning, with the storm expected to reach wind speeds of 240 kph (150 mph).
- The typhoon has intensified the southwest monsoon in the Philippines, causing heavy rainfall in Metro Manila and northern provinces. Work and schools have been closed, and rescuers are actively evacuating people from low-lying areas.
- Severe weather conditions have led to widespread flight cancellations in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. Rail operations in Taiwan have been halted, with only abbreviated schedules for high-speed links between north and south Taiwan continuing to operate. Several rail operators in China have also suspended operations.
Outlook:
Typhoon Gaemi is forecast to bring powerful winds and heavy rainfall to China, a country already reeling from weeks of severe flooding. Fujian, southern Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces can expect torrential downpours throughout the week, with Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces also bracing for impact.
As the storm passes through Taiwan and China, flooding and landslides are anticipated, potentially causing disruptions to essential services due to damage to utility lines. Travel disruptions are also likely to continue, exacerbating the region’s ongoing challenges.
Organizations are advised to remain updated on the situation and prepare necessary contingency plans.
