Typhoon Gaemi Claims Eight Lives in Taiwan, Over 800 Injured

Typhoon Gaemi has caused the deaths of eight individuals in Taiwan and injured 866 since Wednesday. Despite being downgraded to a tropical storm, it continues to cause severe weather in parts of Taiwan.

At least eight people have died across Taiwan since Wednesday after Typhoon Gaemi intensified, according to the Central Emergency Operations Centre (CEOC), as reported by Focus Taiwan. CEOC statistics released on Friday also indicated one missing person and 866 injured during and after the typhoon's passage through Taiwan.

The typhoon has now exited Taiwan and been downgraded to a tropical storm upon reaching China. However, central and southern Taiwan could still experience significant rainfall, Focus Taiwan reported. The victims include a 64-year-old female motorcyclist hit by a falling tree in Kaohsiung, a 44-year-old woman killed by a fallen rooftop wall in Hualien County, and a 78-year-old man killed during a landslide in Kaohsiung.

Additionally, a 65-year-old man died after falling while making home repairs in Tainan, and a 75-year-old scooter rider succumbed to injuries after colliding with a fallen tree in Yulin County. CEOC reported that the bodies of a man and a woman were found in flooded fields in Chiayi County's Shiushang Township; investigations are ongoing.

In Chiayi County, an Alishan Forest Railway employee was found dead in his car, struck by falling rocks. Authorities are also searching for a 67-year-old man, surnamed Kuo, who is believed to have fallen into a culvert in Chiayi County's Fanlu Township.

Moreover, 866 injuries have been reported, with the highest numbers in Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung. The CEOC stated that 279 emergency camps have been set up to house 1,232 people displaced by the typhoon, and nine sea vessels sought assistance from Taiwan during the storm, reported Focus Taiwan.

The eastern and southern parts of Taiwan may still experience sporadic showers, thundershowers, and heavy rain. (ANI)