A Deadly Typhoon Strikes
Typhoon Gaemi, the strongest storm to hit Taiwan in nearly a decade, caused widespread destruction and chaos, resulting in the deaths of five people and leaving six sailors missing at sea after a cargo ship sank. The storm, which also exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines, triggered flooding and landslides, leading to further fatalities.
The Sinking Cargo Ship
On Wednesday, Typhoon Gaemi made its impact felt off the southwestern coast of Taiwan, where a cargo ship sank amid the storm. The Tanzania-flagged vessel, carrying nine Myanmar crew members, was forced to abandon ship as it capsized. Rescue operations began at 3:30 pm, involving aircraft and the coastguard. By late afternoon, two crew members were found and taken to a police station, while another sailor was discovered later. The search for the remaining crew continues, hampered by adverse weather conditions.
Destruction in Taiwan
Typhoon Gaemi’s onslaught in Taiwan led to the closure of schools, offices, and the stock market, with thousands evacuated from their homes. In Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, the storm caused severe flooding, trapping residents and claiming lives. A motorist was crushed by a falling tree, and another person died in a mudslide that destroyed two houses. In Tainan, a man was killed by a fallen tree, while in Hualien, a woman perished after part of a building collapsed on her. Over 500 people were injured during the storm.
Impact on the Philippines
Gaemi’s effects were also devastating in the Philippines, where the typhoon worsened seasonal rains, causing flooding and landslides that killed 20 people. A tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of oil sank off Manila, prompting authorities to race to contain an oil spill. Clean up efforts are underway in the capital, with residents struggling to recover from the flooding that destroyed homes and businesses.
Response and Recovery
Taiwan’s defence ministry redirected troops from their annual Han Kuang war games to assist with disaster rescue operations. Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled due to the storm. In southern Taiwan, an Indonesian freighter anchored at a beach to weather the storm, with its crew reported safe.
In China, Fujian province suspended all train services and issued the second-highest flood warning alert. The storm made landfall in Fujian on Thursday evening, and the national water resources ministry warned of swollen rivers and lakes due to the heavy rains.
The Role of Climate Change
The severity of Typhoon Gaemi highlights the increasing intensity of tropical storms in the region, which experts attribute to climate change. The frequent tropical storms from July to October have become more powerful, leading to devastating rains, flash floods, and strong winds that cause widespread destruction.
Typhoon Gaemi has left a trail of destruction across Taiwan and the Philippines, highlighting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and climate change mitigation. As rescue efforts continue and affected communities begin the long road to recovery, the impact of this deadly storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by extreme weather events.
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