Tropical Storm Gaemi Causes Widespread Damage in Asia

Tropical Storm Gaemi caused significant flooding and destruction in China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The storm led to damaged crops, displacement of residents, and multiple fatalities. While China reported economic losses and crop damage, Taiwan and the Philippines suffered severe flooding and numerous casualties.

Tropical Storm Gaemi wreaked havoc across parts of Asia, making landfall in central China on Saturday after reaching typhoon strength on the east coast Thursday night.

The storm uprooted trees, flooded streets, and damaged crops in China, though no casualties were reported. Taiwan experienced serious flooding, resulting in eight deaths and hundreds of injuries. The worst impact was felt in the Philippines, where the death toll reached 34 due to exacerbated monsoon rains causing landslides and severe flooding.

China faced economic losses with 85 hectares of crops damaged and 290,000 people relocated, while Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te announced cash payments for flood-affected households. In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged expedited relief efforts to aid isolated villages impacted by landslides and flooding.

(With inputs from agencies.)