Typhoon Gaemi Braces Taiwan: Markets Shut, Flights Cancelled, and Military On Standby

Taiwan prepared for the arrival of Typhoon Gaemi on Wednesday, with widespread closures and cancellations. The storm is expected to make landfall in Yilan and later affect southeastern China. Despite severe weather, some normal operations continue, and the military is on standby for disaster relief.

Taiwan hunkered down on Wednesday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Gaemi, with financial markets closed, people given the day off work, flights cancelled, and the military put on stand-by amidst forecasts of torrential rain and strong winds.

The typhoon, the first of the season to affect Taiwan, is expected to make landfall on the northeast coast by Wednesday evening, according to the island's Central Weather Administration. It is likely to move across the Taiwan Strait to hit Fujian province in southeastern China by late Friday afternoon.

In Yilan county, where Gaemi will first hit, heavy rain has already battered the countryside. The entire island has suspended work and school, leaving the normally bustling streets of Taipei nearly empty during rush hour.

The transport ministry reported extensive flight cancellations. However, TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, stated that its factories would maintain normal operations, having activated routine preparation procedures.

Forecasts predict up to 1,800 mm of rain in some mountainous areas. Taiwan's defence ministry has put its forces on stand-by for disaster relief efforts.

Despite the typhoon curtailing this year's Han Kuang war games, live fire drills proceeded on the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait. Gaemi and a southwest monsoon have also caused heavy rain in the Philippines, halting work and classes.

Although typhoons are destructive, they are vital for replenishing water reservoirs, especially in southern Taiwan after the drier winter months.

(With inputs from agencies.)