Hold onto your hats, folks, because Typhoon Gaemi has just made a dramatic entrance on Taiwan’s east coast, with wind gusts reaching a whopping 240kmh (150mph). This storm is packing a serious punch and is predicted to be the most powerful to hit the island in eight years.
Sadly, the impact of Gaemi has already been felt, with one woman losing her life after being struck by a falling tree. As a precaution, Taiwan has canceled its largest annual military drills, suspended domestic flights, and disrupted over 200 international flights.
But the dangers don’t stop there – authorities are warning of the potential for landslides and flash flooding, especially in areas destabilized by a recent earthquake. The storm has also wreaked havoc in the Philippines, causing flooding and chaos in Manila.
Despite the high winds, officials are concerned less about direct damage and more about the copious amounts of moisture Gaemi is carrying. The Central Weather Administration has issued a land warning for the entire island, with the worst weather expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
Hold onto your umbrellas, because this isn’t the last we’ll be hearing from Typhoon Gaemi. After tracking over Taiwan’s rugged terrain, the storm is expected to re-emerge in the Taiwan Strait towards China, with a second landfall anticipated in Fujian Province. Heavy rainfall and flooding are on the cards as the typhoon moves inland.
In the face of this impending natural disaster, people are stocking up on supplies in Taipei, while the government has had to put military drills on hold. The situation is no better in the Philippines, where Metro Manila is under a state of calamity due to overflowing rivers and creeks.
Stay safe out there, everyone! The storm isn’t over yet.
