Typhoon Gaemi Leads To Massive Evacuations in China After Destruction in Taiwan and Philippines

Typhoon Gaemi has made landfall in mainland China after causing significant damage in Taiwan and the Philippines. The storm has forced over 150,000 residents in Fujian province to relocate to safer areas. Before reaching China, Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread flooding and landslides in Taiwan and the Philippines, resulting in at least 21 fatalities. The Philippines is urgently working to contain an oil spill after a tanker carrying 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel sank off the coast. This tanker was one of two ships that sank on Thursday, with the other sinking near Taiwan's southwestern coast.

China's Response and Preparations

China has issued its highest-level disaster warning as Typhoon Gaemi approached on Thursday evening local time. President Xi Jinping held a meeting with top Communist Party leaders to discuss flood control and disaster relief measures. In response to the storm, train services in Fujian have been suspended, and authorities in northern China have warned of potential landslides and flooding due to heavy rains. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has also highlighted a high risk of natural disasters.

Extreme Weather Patterns

China is currently experiencing extreme weather conditions, with heavy rains in the east and south and heatwaves in the north. The country typically faces heavy rain from mid-July to mid-August. Typhoon Gaemi is following a similar path to last year's Typhoon Doksuri, which caused severe flooding in northern China, though its course may still change.

Aftermath and Ongoing Efforts in Taiwan

In Taiwan, clean-up operations are underway following the typhoon, which was the largest to hit the island in eight years and the first of this year's storm season. Taiwan's meteorological office reported that some areas received over 1000mm of rainfall between Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, with the southern city of Kaohsiung experiencing 1350mm of rain. The flooding left large parts of the city submerged under more than a meter of water, resulting in three fatalities.

A search and rescue operation is ongoing for six missing Burmese sailors after their cargo ship, Fu Shun, sank off northern Taiwan. So far, three crew members have been rescued, but high winds and rough seas are hindering efforts. Five other cargo ships have also run aground near the island.

Devastation in the Philippines

Although the Philippines avoided a direct hit from Typhoon Gaemi, the storm intensified the seasonal monsoon rains, causing widespread flooding in Manila. The storm also sank the MT Terra Nova tanker, which was en route to Iloilo with 17 crew members on board. The Philippine coast guard has rescued 16 crew members and found the body of one missing crew member.

Massive Oil Spill

A major operation is underway to manage an oil spill from the MT Terra Nova, which threatens to be the worst in the Philippines' history if not contained. The coast guard has detected an oil slick extending about four kilometers. Rear Admiral Armando Balilo stated that the spill would severely impact the marine environment. The spill occurred in Manila Bay, a busy area with shipping lanes, shopping malls, casino resorts, and fishing communities. Bad weather has delayed efforts to deploy booms, which are temporary floating barriers, to contain the spill.

As Typhoon Gaemi continues to affect the region, efforts to mitigate the damage and assist those affected are ongoing.