Typhoon Gaemi Causes Havoc in Northern Taiwan and Threatens China

Typhoon Gaemi hit northern Taiwan on Thursday, causing floods and traffic disruptions before heading toward China, where it’s expected to trigger more torrential rain. The typhoon led to school and office closures, cancellation of trains and flights, and emergency warnings in China's coastal provinces.

Typhoon Gaemi swept through northern Taiwan on Thursday, bringing with it severe floods and significant traffic disruptions. The storm continues its path across the sea toward China, where it is anticipated to bring further torrential rains.

Gaemi made its landfall on Taiwan’s northeastern coast between the borders of Yilan and Hualien counties. By 7 am local time, it had entered the Taiwan Strait, targeting Fuzhou in China's Fujian province. Due to its impact, offices, schools, and financial markets remained closed in Taiwan for a second consecutive day. Train services, including the high-speed line connecting northern and southern Taiwan, were suspended until 3 pm, and a total of 185 international and all domestic flights were canceled for the day.

The government reported two fatalities and 266 injuries as a result of the storm. TV stations showed images of flooded streets across multiple cities and counties. Chinese meteorologists predict that the typhoon will lessen in intensity as it moves northward inland, but heavy rain is still expected in several areas. Preparations for extensive flooding are already underway in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. Meanwhile, North China is dealing with its own heavy rains from separate summer storms, with Beijing issuing a red warning for torrential rain on Wednesday night.