Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of 2024, made landfall near Yilan County early Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction. Taiwan authorities confirmed two fatalities and 201 injuries as winds exceeding 150 km/h battered the region. Emergency crews are working to restore power to 40,000 households affected by downed trees and flooding.
Residents Brace for More Rain
Schools and offices across the island of Taiwan remain closed as meteorologists warn of continued heavy rainfall through Friday. Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from coastal areas. A Yilan resident told local media: 'It sounded like a freight train all night – we’re just grateful to be safe.'
Regional Impacts and Climate Context
The storm is now moving northwest toward the Taiwan Strait, with weather alerts issued for nearby regions. This comes amid growing concerns about extreme weather patterns in Asia, with 2024 already seeing a 30% increase in typhoon activity compared to last year.
