Typhoon Gaemi lashes China after pounding Taiwan, Philippines
Typhoon Gaemi, the most powerful storm to strike China this year, made landfall in Fujian province, unleashing heavy rains and fierce winds that have affected nearly 630,000 people, according to Xinhua news agency. Approximately half of those affected have been relocated as the typhoon battered coastal towns with winds reaching up to 100.8 kph (62.6 mph).
Gaemi, originally packing stronger winds of 118.8 kph, has since weakened to a tropical storm but continues to pose significant flood risks due to its expansive cloud cover. This threat is exacerbated in central China, where rivers are already swollen from seasonal rains.
Ahead of Gaemi’s arrival, China’s Communist Party’s politburo, led by President Xi Jinping, convened a special meeting emphasizing flood control measures nationwide. Measures include safeguarding major rivers and preventing reservoir collapses to protect lives and property.
In Fujian, 72 townships reported rainfall exceeding 250 mm (9.8 inches), with the highest accumulation recorded at 512.8 mm. The typhoon is expected to advance into Jiangxi province by late Friday, posing further threats to the region, which includes Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake.
Meteorologists predict Gaemi’s impact will extend to at least 10 provinces, including heavily populated Henan province, where preparations for incoming rains are underway. Henan’s meteorological bureau anticipates Gaemi to bring rains starting Friday night.
The storm’s reach is projected to extend into next week, affecting provinces as far north as Jilin and Liaoning, both of which are still recovering from recent severe storms that caused widespread flooding.
Scientific experts caution that global warming is intensifying tropical storms, making them more infrequent yet significantly more potent. This trend underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate mitigation efforts globally.
Before reaching China, Gaemi caused havoc in Taiwan, where it triggered floods that led to over 700 injuries and claimed seven lives. A marine tanker also capsized off the Philippine coast amid rough seas, adding to the storm’s toll, which includes 32 fatalities and a “state of calamity” declaration in Manila due to extensive flooding.
As Gaemi continues its trajectory, authorities remain vigilant amid ongoing efforts to mitigate its impact across East Asia.
