A powerful typhoon, Gaemi, is rapidly intensifying and heading towards Taiwan, causing disruptions and closures across the region. The typhoon is expected to strengthen into a super typhoon before making landfall on Taiwan's northeastern coast on Wednesday evening. Gaemi, currently equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, has maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h (140 mph).
Taiwan, accustomed to typhoons, is preparing for the impact, especially in remote and mountainous areas prone to landslides. The Central Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for the entire island as Gaemi's winds are expected to reach 240 km/h (150 mph).
Scientists attribute the rapid intensification of Gaemi to warmer oceans caused by the human-induced climate crisis. The typhoon has forced closures of schools, offices, and transportation services in Taiwan, including flight cancellations by major airlines.
In the Philippines, Gaemi has also led to closures and disruptions, affecting over 770,000 people. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that search and rescue operations are underway to assist those impacted by the storm.
As Gaemi heads towards China, it is expected to make landfall as a strong Category 1 or low-end Category 2 hurricane, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to coastal areas of Fujian province. The storm's remnants are likely to spread heavy rainfall to other provinces already grappling with recent flooding.
China has been facing a challenging period of extreme weather, with deadly floods and landslides causing evacuations and significant damage to crops and infrastructure. The country is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Gaemi as it continues to navigate through a tumultuous flood season.
