SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED, FLIGHTS GROUNDED AS TAIWAN BRACES FOR TYPHOON GAEMI

Wed 24 July 2024:

Taiwan has closed schools and offices and grounded flights as it braces for Typhoon Gaemi, expected to make landfall in northeastern Taiwan by 10 pm (14:00 GMT) on Wednesday. President William Lai Ching-te urged citizens to prioritize safety during an emergency briefing.

Mass Evacuations and Military Readiness

Authorities have evacuated over 2,100 people from vulnerable areas, particularly in the northern regions and mountainous Hualien, which faces a high risk of landslides. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has 29,000 soldiers on standby for disaster relief efforts.

The typhoon has led to the cancellation of Taiwan’s annual air force drills and ferry services. Almost all domestic flights and over 200 international flights have been canceled, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

Although Typhoon Gaemi did not make landfall in the Philippines, it intensified seasonal monsoon rains, causing flooding and landslides that have killed at least 12 people as of Wednesday. The national disaster management agency (NDRRMC) and local reports confirm the casualties.

The typhoon has displaced 600,000 people across the Philippines, with at least a dozen landslides and floods reported over five days. In Batangas province, the bodies of four people were recovered from a landslide, and a child was electrocuted in central Cebu province during heavy rain.

Manila and Surrounding Regions

In the densely populated region around Manila, continuous rains have led to the suspension of government work and school classes. Floodwaters have trapped cars and stranded people in their homes. Marikina River is at risk of overflowing, threatening nearby low-lying areas.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed agencies to provide swift assistance to those affected by Typhoon Carina (Gaemi). The Philippine Coast Guard has reported over 350 stranded passengers and assisted in evacuating coastal villages hit by storm-tossed waves.

The storm is expected to continue towards mainland China, affecting Fujian province, which has suspended all passenger train services on Thursday, as reported by state media.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22