Taiwan Braces for Impact: Super Typhoon Gaemi Approaching

Typhoon Gaemi, Taiwan's strongest storm in eight years, is set to make landfall Wednesday evening. Authorities upgraded Gaemi to a strong typhoon, prompting shutdowns in financial markets and causing major disruptions in transportation. The military has been put on stand-by with forecasts predicting torrential rain and potential catastrophic damage.

Taiwan hunkered down on Wednesday as Typhoon Gaemi, poised to be the strongest storm in eight years, approached its northeast coast. Financial markets were shut, work was suspended, and flights were cancelled. The military prepared for possible disaster relief as torrential rain and powerful gusts were forecasted.

The typhoon, with gusts reaching up to 227 kph (141 mph), is expected to hit southeastern China's Fujian province by Thursday afternoon. In Taiwan's Yilan county, the locals experienced intensifying wind and rain, emptying streets and prompting harbour activity as boats sought shelter.

Over 2,000 residents were evacuated from landslide-prone areas while transportation faced major disruptions. Despite the chaos, TSMC, a key supplier to Apple, maintained its production. Soldiers remain on stand-by as the typhoon threatens massive rainfall, with repercussions extending to China and the Philippines.

(With inputs from agencies.)