Heavy tropical storm - People and injured by Typhoon "Gaemi" - Ships sunk
At least two people have been killed in Taiwan due to Tropical Storm Gaemi during heavy rain and storm. According to Taiwanese authorities, 284 people were injured. A cargo ship sank off the coast of the island republic due to the storm. The authorities are waiting for better weather conditions to continue the search for the nine crew members from Myanmar, as reported by the Taiwanese Emergency Operations Center (CEOC).
Television footage showed heavy rainfall and extensive flooding. Vehicles were damaged by uprooted trees. At one point, more than 450,000 households were reportedly without power.
The center of the Tropical Storm reached the eastern coastal city of Yilan, Taiwan, early Thursday morning (local time), and continued moving towards the west. Schools and offices were closed, as they were the previous day when the initial fringes of "Gaemi" paralyzed large parts of the island. The stock exchange in Taiwan did not trade for the second consecutive day.
Tropical Storm heading towards China
A 64-year-old roller skater was killed by uprooted trees in the southern city of Kaohsiung. In the eastern city of Hualien, a 45-year-old woman was killed when her car was hit by a collapsing wall. Her child was reportedly in critical condition. Another death was initially reported in the city of New Taipei, but the emergency center later stated that the accident involved a bulldozer and was not related to the typhoon.
"Gaemi" is heading towards China, where authorities have been warning of the approaching storm for days. The storm's center was expected to reach the coastal province of Fujian by Thursday afternoon. China has experienced heavy rain and flooding throughout the summer, resulting in numerous casualties. It has been raining heavily in Beijing since Wednesday.
At least 20 deaths on the Philippines
The storm previously affected the Philippines and caused significant damage. The National Police reported that the death toll had risen to 21. Many victims died in landslides and flash floods. Manila was particularly affected, where six people drowned. The water levels were reportedly several meters high in some areas.
The coast guard reported that an oil tanker had sunk off the Philippines, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial diesel oil. It was unclear whether the accident was related to the typhoon. Initial reports indicated that relatively little oil had spilled, but experts were on site to prevent further spread.
- The weather in the Philippines has been unfavorable due to the recent Tropical Storm, leading to numerous casualties.
- Despite the Current weather conditions, authorities in the Philippines are working to mitigate the effects of flooding and related emergencies.
- In response to the storm, the Burmese government has issued warnings and prepared emergency response plans for potential impact areas.
- The weather forecast for Beijing suggests heavy rainfall and potential typhoon-like conditions in the coming days.
- The Taiwanese government is advising residents to stay indoors and avoid traveling in vehicles during the storm to ensure safety.
- The Climate in Taiwan has been unpredictable lately, with an increased frequency of Tropical Storms and Typhoons.
- Despite the storm, some services in Taipei have managed to continue operating, such as hospitals and essential supply chain vehicles.
- The Chinese government has deployed emergency response teams and deployed resources to affected areas, ready to aid those affected by the weather.
- In the aftermath of the storm, environmental organizations have called for stricter regulations on the shipment of hazardous materials to prevent further damage in the event of a weather-related emergency.
