Typhoon Gaemi has made its way to southeastern China after crossing the Taiwan Strait, raising concerns about potential river swelling, flash floods, and urban waterlogging in areas that have recently experienced heavy rainfall. The typhoon made landfall in Fujian province at 7:50 pm local time on Thursday, with wind gusts reaching up to 227 kilometres per hour (141 miles per hour), making it one of the most powerful storms to hit China’s eastern coast this year.
Prior to its arrival, authorities evacuated 240,800 individuals in Fujian. Despite a slight weakening after reaching Putian, a city with a population of over 3 million, Gaemi and its expansive storm bands are expected to bring intense rainfall to at least ten provinces in China over the next few days. The impact of Gaemi has been likened to that of Typhoon Doksuri in the previous year, which resulted in historic flooding and significant nationwide losses.
Authorities have issued warnings about the potential rise in water levels in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the vast freshwater lakes of Poyang and Dongting in central China. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the heightened risk of flash floods and waterlogging in northern China due to the saturated soil from previous storms. The high vapour content of Gaemi has prompted caution from authorities, as it could lead to heavy rainfall even in areas located far north of its landfall.
Gaemi’s impact was also felt in the Philippines and Taiwan, where it intensified seasonal rains, resulting in casualties and significant damage. In the Philippines, the typhoon caused the death of at least 22 individuals and led to the sinking of an oil tanker. Taiwan experienced three fatalities, 380 injuries, extensive flooding, and a cargo ship sinking. The storm also caused widespread power outages and disruptions to transportation and economic activities.
In light of these developments, the affected regions are bracing for the aftermath of Gaemi, with authorities and residents alike taking measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the population.
