TYPHOON GAEMI CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND LOSS OF LIFE ACROSS ASIA

Fri 26 July 2024:

Typhoon Gaemi, which brought heavy rainfall and floods, has caused significant destruction in the Philippines, China, Taiwan, and Japan, resulting in the deaths of 21 people in Manila, local media reported on Friday.

Impact in the Philippines

The death toll in the Philippines rose to 21 as Typhoon Gaemi, locally known as Carina, impacted four regions with heavy rains and floods, according to the Manila-based Phil Star. The storm damaged schools and infrastructure, leading authorities to close over 700 schools and evacuate hundreds of residents to safer areas. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the flood-affected areas and directed authorities to ensure the reopening of schools by July 29, as planned by the education department.

Devastation in China

Typhoon Gaemi also affected China’s southeastern coastal province of Fujian, displacing over 628,000 people. The storm was located in Sanming City on Friday morning and is expected to move northwest at about 20 kilometers (12 miles) per hour, reaching Jiangxi Province by Friday evening, CGTN reported. China’s National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert, the second-highest warning level, for the typhoon.

Catastrophe in Taiwan

In Taiwan, authorities reported the death of a cargo ship captain and the disappearance of four crew members after their ship sank 16 nautical miles off Kaohsiung, as reported by Focus Taiwan. The typhoon triggered severe flooding, particularly in central and southern regions. President Lai Ching-te visited the affected areas and announced relief funds of NT$20,000 ($609) for each household in areas where flooding exceeded 50 centimeters.

Destruction in Japan

In Japan, at least one person was killed, and three others are missing following heavy rains that caused floods and landslides in northeastern regions. The body of a person believed to have been swept away by the flooded Omono River in Akita Province was recovered, while another man went missing at a construction site in Yuzawa. Two police officers in their 20s remain unaccounted for after being swept away in a police car in Yamagata Province, Kyodo News reported. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the deployment of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for disaster relief operations, pledging to gather information and take all necessary measures as floodwaters entered homes in several areas.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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