Philippines

Typhoon Gaemi’s Impact on China, Taiwan, and the Philippines

Typhoon Gaemi, referred to locally as Typhoon Carina, significantly affected the Philippines, especially Northern Luzon and Metro Manila areas. In Quezon City, the storm brought intense rainfall leading to severe flooding in low-lying areas, straining the city’s drainage systems. Residents faced disruptions in daily life, with many areas experiencing power outages and water supply interruptions. The storm’s rainbands, combined with the Southwest Monsoon, intensified rainfall, causing rivers and water bodies to overflow, leading to widespread evacuation efforts in flood-prone areas. PAGASA’s warnings helped in pre-emptive measures, but the storm’s severity still caught many off guard, highlighting the need for improved urban planning and emergency response systems.

In Taiwan, the government responded proactively by canceling work and classes across major regions, including Taipei, New Taipei, and Kaohsiung, as Gaemi approached. The storm, which reached Category-4 intensity at its peak, brought destructive winds and heavy rains that led to power outages affecting thousands of households. Transportation services, including trains and flights, were suspended to ensure public safety. Coastal and low-lying areas faced significant risk, prompting evacuations and the setup of temporary shelters. The government’s quick action and public compliance with safety advisories helped minimize casualties and damage. Taiwan’s preparedness for such typhoons is part of a broader strategy to handle frequent tropical storms in the region.

As Gaemi moved towards China, it weakened but still brought substantial rainfall and strong winds, particularly in Fujian Province. The storm’s landfall led to widespread flooding, especially in coastal cities and rural areas, where infrastructure was less resilient to such events. Chinese authorities issued blue alerts and deployed emergency services to manage evacuations and provide aid to affected populations. The response included reinforcing flood defenses, ensuring that local reservoirs could handle the influx of water, and deploying medical teams to assist with health-related emergencies. The economic impact was notable, with damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and housing, prompting a call for increased investment in disaster mitigation and infrastructure resilience.

Overall, Typhoon Gaemi’s passage through these regions underscores the critical importance of robust disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters. The cooperation and swift response from local authorities and communities were pivotal in managing the immediate crisis and beginning recovery efforts.