Typhoon Gaemi caused a tanker and cargo ship to sink and three others to run aground in Taiwan, resulting in three deaths and destruction. In the Philippines, authorities are trying to manage an oil spill after a tanker carrying 1.4m litres of oil capsized. The typhoon also disrupted operations in China and Japan.
Gaemi unleashed torrential rain and strong winds causing flooding, landslides, and power outages in Taiwan and the Philippines. An oil spill in the Philippines could be the largest in history, while damages in Taiwan are expected to be extensive. The storm has led to the loss of lives, injuries, and significant property damage, prompting evacuations and closures.
Trains, flights, and ferry services were suspended, and schools and offices were closed due to the severe weather conditions. Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang war games were also affected. International companies like TSMC have activated typhoon alert preparations, while authorities are on high alert in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Climate experts suggest that human-caused climate change has intensified tropical storms and increased their frequency, leading to more destructive consequences like extreme rainfall and storm surges. As typhoons become stronger and more devastating, coastal areas are at a greater risk of damage and loss. It is essential for governments to implement measures to mitigate the impacts of these severe weather events.
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