TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan has seen flooding in low-lying areas, along with landslides and damage to homes and shops after Typhoon Gaemi made landfall on the island. Furthermore, the Typhoon Gaemi impact extended beyond Taiwan, with significant damage also reported in the Philippines. #TyphoonGaemiImpact
The storm swept through the western Pacific, leaving 22 people dead in the Philippines due to flooding and landslides. Additionally, three people died in Taiwan, with over 220 reported injured.
Offices and schools in Taiwan closed for the second day on Thursday, urging people to stay home and avoid the coastline.
The island is regularly hit by typhoons and has boosted its warning systems, but its topography, high population density and high-tech economy make it difficult to avoid losses when such storms hit.
The capital, Taipei, was unusually quiet, with light rain falling and occasionally gusting winds.
In the Philippines, the death toll rose due to drownings and landslides. At least three people are missing, according to police.
The Philippine coast guard reported that an oil tanker, MT Terra Nova, loaded with about 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil sank off Limay town in Bataan province early Thursday and rescuers saved 15 of 16 crew members. #TyphoonGaemiImpact
It’s not immediately clear if the sinking was related to the bad weather and rough seas but Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said coast guard personnel could not immediately reach the area to contain a possible oil spill because of the rough sea conditions.
The storm prompted the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan’s east coast.
Gaemi, called Carina in the Philippines, did not make landfall in that archipelago but enhanced its seasonal monsoon rains.
As a result, the Typhoon Gaemi impact has forced evacuations and created substantial challenges for rescue operations.
