Typhoon Gaemi and Ant Devastate East Asia
Typhoon Gaemi and Typhoon Ant have wreaked havoc across East Asia, particularly affecting Taiwan, the Philippines, and eastern China. Gaemi, the more severe of the two, left a trail of destruction in Taiwan, leading to the deaths of at least five individuals and causing significant flooding in major cities like Kaohsiung. With gusts reaching up to 190 km/h, the typhoon transformed urban landscapes into rivers, prompting the evacuation of approximately 300,000 residents in China’s Fujian province as it approached the mainland.
The Philippines also faced severe consequences from Gaemi, with reports indicating that at least 20 lives were lost due to floods and landslides. The situation worsened with the sinking of the MT Terra Nova oil tanker off Manila’s coast, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts. As Gaemi made its way to China, heavy rainfall continued to impact southern and eastern regions, leading to transport disruptions and the suspension of public services.
In the wake of these disasters, Chinese President Xi Jinping convened an emergency meeting to address the ongoing climate crisis, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance as the country braces for potential flooding in the coming weeks. The summer of 2023 has already been marked by extreme weather patterns across China, with torrential rains and heatwaves affecting various provinces, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
As Typhoon Ant made landfall in Taiwan, it brought additional challenges, with reports of over 20 fatalities and widespread damage. The typhoon’s winds reached speeds of 220 km/h, leading to power outages for approximately 640,000 households and forcing the military to shift its focus from training to disaster relief efforts. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency as the region grapples with the aftermath of these successive storms.
