Tropical Storm Gaemi Wreaks Havoc Across Asia

Tropical storm Gaemi, which initially made landfall at typhoon strength on China’s east coast, has left a trail of destruction across central China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The storm caused significant flooding, felled trees, and damaged crops in China, though there were no reports of casualties. In Taiwan, eight people died due to severe flooding, falling trees, and landslides. The storm exacerbated monsoon rains in the Philippines, resulting in 34 deaths, mainly due to landslides and severe flooding.

In China, Gaemi weakened to a tropical storm after hitting Fujian province, but continued to bring heavy rains to Jiangxi, Hubei, and Henan provinces. The storm damaged 85 hectares of crops and led to economic losses estimated at 11.5 million yuan ($1.6 million). Over 290,000 people were relocated due to the storm. Taiwan faced serious flooding, with cars and scooters floating down streets, and eight fatalities were reported. In Kaohsiung, President Lai Ching-te announced cash payments to households in severely flooded areas.

The Philippines experienced the worst loss of life, with 34 deaths due to flooding and landslides. The monsoon rains intensified when Gaemi, known locally as Carina, passed by the country’s east coast. The disaster left several people stranded on rooftops, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged authorities to expedite food and aid delivery to isolated rural villages. The bodies of a pregnant woman and three children were among those recovered after a landslide buried their home in Batangas province.

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