Taiwan races to rescue sailors stranded by Typhoon Gaemi as China warns of wide impacts: Live updates

Taiwan’s coast guard is working to rescue dozens of sailors stranded off its southern coast after Typhoon Gaemi sank one freighter and left eight others stranded.

The typhoon flooded streets, knocked out power and killed at least five people in Taiwan before heading to China. It earlier killed 22 people in the Philippines.

Seventy-nine crew members are awaiting rescue on the eight freighters that were stranded, the coast guard said. Nine people were rescued earlier today from a Togo-flagged freighter stranded on a beach.

Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in China on Thursday evening, after officials issued widespread flood warnings and evacuations.

More than 290,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Fujian while emergency responses were put in place and flights and trains have been cancelled.

Gaemi is forecast to unleash intense rainfall in at least 10 Chinese provinces, including the capital Beijing, in the coming days, areas that have already been soaked by days of rainfall.

Gaemi has drawn comparisons with Typhoon Doksuri last year, which triggered historic flooding as far north as Beijing and caused nationwide losses of nearly $30bn.

Key Points

• Taiwan races to rescue scores of sailors stranded by Typhoon Gaemi

• Thousands forced to flee homes in China as Typhoon Gaemi makes landfall

• Gaemi to impact at least 10 Chinese provinces

• Death toll rises to five in Taiwan, over 500 injured

• Typhoon Gaemi mapped: Storm heads for China

• Nine missing as typhoon sinks freighter off Taiwan

Death toll rises to five in Taiwan, over 500 injured

09:40 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi has injured more than 500 people and killed five, most of them hit by fallen objects, Reuters news agency reports.

Rescuers took more than 300 people out of floodwater in inflatable boats. Businesses and schools in most parts of southern Taiwan were shut for a third day.

The storm dumped over 1,800 mm (70.8 inches) rain in southern mountains since Tuesday and brought flash flooding to several cities and towns that has largely receded.

Typhoon Gaemi path: Where is the storm headed?

09:00 , Stuti Mishra

Gaemi made landfall on Thursday evening in Xiuyu District, Putian City, Fujian, with maximum wind speeds reaching 118.8 kilometres per hour at its centre.

By 6am local time on Friday (10pm GMT on Thursday), the centre of the typhoon was situated in Youxi County, Sanming City, with wind speeds of up to 100.8 kilometres per hour near the centre.

Moving northwest at a speed of around 20 kilometres per hour, Typhoon Gaemi is expected to weaken gradually and reach Jiangxi Province by late Friday afternoon.

Taiwan races to rescue scores of sailors stranded by Typhoon Gaemi

08:00 , Stuti Mishra

Taiwan’s coast guard was trying to rescue dozens of sailors stranded off the southern coast after Typhoon Gaemi sank a freighter, flooded streets, knocked out power, and killed at least three people.

Seventy-nine crew members were awaited rescue on eight freighters that were stranded, the coast guard said. Nine people were rescued earlier today from a Togo-flagged freighter stranded on a beach.

Earlier, one crew member was found dead, while four were rescued and four others were missing after a Tanzania-flagged cargo ship sank off Taiwan’s southern Kaohsiung port.

Over 600,000 people affected in China by Typhoon Gaemi

07:19 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi has impacted approximately 628,600 residents in east China's Fujian Province, according to local authorities.

The number of people who had to be relocated has also risen to 290,000.

Gaemi made landfall on Thursday evening in Xiuyu District, Putian City, Fujian, with maximum wind speeds reaching 118.8 kilometres per hour at its centre.

Everything known about Taiwan’s strongest storm in eight years

06:37 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi: Everything we know about strongest storm to hit Taiwan in eight years

Parts of Taiwan may have received 87 inches of rain since Tuesday

05:28 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi has moved inside China but parts of Taiwan were still getting lashed by relentless rainfall.

Some parts of southern Taiwan are expected to have recorded rainfall of 2,200 mm (87 inches) since Tuesday.

The storm cut power to around half a million households, though most are now back online, utility Taipower said.

Gaemi to impact at least 10 Chinese provinces

04:22 , Stuti Mishra

Despite slightly weakening since its landfall in Fujian's Putian, a city of over 3 million, Gaemi and its giant cloud-bands are forecast to unleash intense rainfall in at least 10 Chinese provinces in the coming days, forecasters say.

The arrival of Gaemi has drawn comparisons with Typhoon Doksuri last year, which triggered historic flooding as far north as Beijing and caused nationwide losses of nearly $30bn.

Authorities said water levels in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River as well as the vast freshwater lakes of Poyang and Dongting in central China could rise, returning to dangerous levels seen in early July after intense summer rains.

Due to its high vapour content, Beijing cautioned that Gaemi could spawn strong rainfall in the Chinese capital, about 2,000 km (1,242 miles) north of Putian, even as the storm weakens into a tropical depression.

Gaemi's rains could cause flash floods and waterlogging particularly in parts of northern China where the soil remains saturated after being lashed by a passing system of storms earlier this week, authorities warned.

Chinese city of Fujian evacuated

02:00 , Reuters

Ahead of the typhoon’s arrival in China, 240,800 people in Fujian were evacuated.

Despite slightly weakening since its landfall in Fujian’s Putian, a city of over 3 million, Gaemi and its giant cloud-bands are forecast to unleash intense rainfall in at least 10 Chinese provinces in the coming days.

The arrival of Gaemi has drawn comparisons with Typhoon Doksuri last year, which triggered historic flooding as far north as Beijing and caused nationwide losses of nearly $30 billion.

Authorities said water levels in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River as well as the vast freshwater lakes of Poyang and Dongting in central China could rise, returning to dangerous levels seen in early July after intense summer rains.

Fears over flooding in China as Gaemi hits

01:05 , Alex Ross

Typhoon Gaemi roared into southeastern China on Thursday night after churning across the Taiwan Strait, prompting warnings of swelling rivers, flash floods and waterlogging in cities and provinces that were hit by extreme rains just several weeks ago.

Gaemi, the third and most powerful typhoon to hit China’s eastern seaboard this year, made landfall in Fujian province at 7:50 p.m. (1150 GMT) after whipping Taiwan with gusts of up to 227 kph (141 mph), some of the strongest winds recorded in the Western Pacific Ocean.

In pictures: Search for trapped people in Taiwan

Thursday 25 July 2024 21:56 , Jane Dalton

Typhoon weakens to 'severe tropical storm’

Thursday 25 July 2024 19:00 , Jane Dalton

Typhoon Gaemi has weakened into a “severe tropical storm” over southeastern China, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Radar images show the latest path and intensity:

Flood warnings in China

Thursday 25 July 2024 18:15 , Jane Dalton

Authorities in China have warned of swelling rivers, flash floods and waterlogging in cities and provinces that were hit by extreme rain just several weeks ago.

Gaemi, the third and most powerful typhoon to hit China’s eastern seaboard this year, made landfall in Fujian province.

Typhoon hits Chinese coast

Thursday 25 July 2024 17:33 , Jane Dalton

The typhoon has made landfall in China after sweeping across Taiwan, where it caused landslides and flooding in low-lying areas and left three people dead.

In China’s coastal Fujian province, more than 240,000 people have been forced to flee as it approached, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

After hitting the coast, the storm is expected to bring heavy rains to inland areas including the capital Beijing over the next three days.

Man, 78, dies in mudslide on home

Thursday 25 July 2024 16:00 , Jane Dalton

A 78-year-old man in Taiwan died when his home was hit by a mudslide on Thursday afternoon, Taiwan’s Central News Agency said, and two people were killed on Wednesday before the storm made landfall around midnight.

Another 380 people were reported to have been injured.

A third death on Wednesday - a driver pinned under an overturned excavator - was initially attributed to the typhoon but later was determined not be linked, the news agency said.

Everything known about Taiwan’s strongest storm in eight years

Thursday 25 July 2024 15:30 , Jane Dalton

Typhoon Gaemi: Everything we know about strongest storm to hit Taiwan in eight years

Heavy rain over China predicted to last a week

Thursday 25 July 2024 15:00 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi is expected to bring heavy to very intense rains over vast swathes of China from Thursday, the water resources ministry warned.

The rains are expected to last for a week, fuelled by the typhoon’s abundant moisture, it added.

China’s National Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert, the highest level, according to Xinhua.

Emergency responses were put in place and flights and trains have been cancelled in Fujian as the typhoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall and gale force winds to parts of southeast China that have already been soaked in rain for days.

ICYMI: China activates emergency plans as Typhoon Gaemi moves closer

Thursday 25 July 2024 14:30 , Stuti Mishra

Chinese weather forecasters said Gaemi will pass through Fujian province later on Thursday and head inland, gradually moving northward with less intensity.

But weather forecasters are expecting heavy rain in many areas as it tracks north.

Government officials have already prepared for heavy rain and flooding, raising advisories and warnings in the coastal provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang.

In Fujian, government officials have relocated about 150,000 people, mainly from coastal fishing communities, state media reported.

As gale force winds picked up, officials in Zhoushan in Zhejiang province suspended passenger waterway routes for up to three days.

Most flights were cancelled at airports in Fuzhou and Quanzhou in Fujian, and Wenzhou in Zhejiang, according to the VariFlight app.

Guangzhou rail officials suspended some trains that pass through typhoon-affected areas, according to CCTV.

Meanwhile, north China is experiencing heavy rain from summer storms around a separate weather system.

Officials in capital Beijing upgraded and issued a red warning late on Wednesday night for torrential rain expected through most of Thursday, according to Chinese state media.

Some areas have already experienced heavy rain and emergency plans were activated, with more than 25,000 people evacuated, according to Beijing Daily.

Some train services were also suspended at the Beijing West Railway Station, state media said.

The Beijing Fangshan District Meteorological Observatory expects that by 10am (2am GMT) many parts of the city will have more than 150mm (6 inches) of rainfall in six hours, and in some other areas more than 200mm (8 inches) in 24 hours, state television reported.

Typhoon Gaemi crosses Taiwan strait

Thursday 25 July 2024 14:00 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi has crossed Taiwan strait and it is looming over China's China's coastal Fujian province now.

Gaemi would be the biggest typhoon to hit China's eastern seaboard this year, with its spiralling cloud-bands spanning most of the Western Pacific Ocean and fuelling severe weather from the Philippines to Japan's Okinawa islands.

'Big danger' oil spill could affect Manila

Thursday 25 July 2024 13:30 , Stuti Mishra

There's a "big danger" Manila's shoreline could be affected by the oil spill, warns coast guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo.

"There's a big danger that Manila would be affected, its shorelines, if the fuel leaks because this happened within Manila Bay. It's part of the contingency we're preparing for," Mr Balilo said.

"The effect on the marine environment would not be good."

Mr Balilo compared the magnitude of the oil spill to one caused by the sinking of another Philippine oil tanker, which was carrying much less fuel oil cargo, in February last year off Oriental Mindoro province north of Manila.

That spill took about three months to contain, caused massive damage to coral reefs and mangroves in a region known for its rich biodiversity, and affected tens of thousands of fishermen and beach resorts in at least six provinces.

Manila's shoreline is a major tourism and business hub, where the main seaport, a historic public park, the US Embassy and upscale hotels and restaurants are located.

Land reclamation efforts are also underway in the bay to create space for entertainment and tourism complexes with casinos. The bay for years has been notorious for its pollution but famous for its picturesque sunsets.

Aerial survey shows Philippines oil spill is over 2 miles long

Thursday 25 July 2024 13:00 , Stuti Mishra

An aerial survey shows the oil spill off Manila Bay is about 3.7 kilometres (2.3 miles) long.

The Philippines Coast Guard was working to determine whether the vessel was still leaking oil – in what could be a major spill – after it rescued 16 of 17 crew members in a night time operation, officials said.

The tanker Terra Nova left Bataan province en route to the central province of Iloilo with over 1.4 million litres (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil stored in watertight tanks when it got buffeted by huge waves and took on water.

The crew struggled to steer the tanker back to port but it eventually sank shortly after midnight, coast guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said, citing statements from surviving crew members.

Hurricanes vs Typhoons: What is the difference?

Thursday 25 July 2024 12:30 , Stuti Mishra

Some tropical storms are called hurricanes while others are called cyclones and typhoons. Why?

The answer lies in their geographical location.

Hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean or the northeastern Pacific Ocean, typically impacting the Americas. In contrast, typhoons occur in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, affecting countries like Japan, the Philippines, and China.

Tropical storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean regions are simply called cyclones.

Despite the different names, hurricanes and typhoons are both tropical cyclones. They develop over warm ocean waters and can cause destruction through high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.

But the primary distinction between them is their region of formation, not their nature or intensity.

The terminology has historical and cultural origins. The term "hurricane" is derived from "Huracan," the Carib god of evil, while "typhoon" comes from the Chinese "tai fung," meaning "great wind," with additional influences from Greek and Arabic.

These tropical storms are measured by similar, but different scales, based on which agency is monitoring them. Hurricanes are categorised by numbers on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which measures wind speed and potential damage.

Typhoons are typically measured using the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale and the Hong Kong Observatory's (HKO) Typhoon Scale, which measures them in categories like tropical depression (weakest), storm, severe storm and superstorm.

Regardless of their differences, both hurricanes and typhoons can reach similar levels of intensity and are equally capable of causing widespread devastation.

How Typhoon Gaemi's movement surprised experts

Thursday 25 July 2024 12:00 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi's unexpected behaviour before slamming into Taiwan surprised many experts.

The typhoon was originally moving directly toward the northeastern coast of Taiwan.

But radar data showed that instead of hitting the coast immediately, Gaemi performed a full loop just offshore.

This means that instead of hitting the coast immediately, it circled around the area before eventually making landfall.

This unusual movement captured the attention of meteorologists and weather experts around the world.

Nahel Belgherze, who shared videos and updates about extreme weather events on X, called it "absolutely wild stuff".

The reason behind this unexpected loop is Taiwan's rugged and mountainous terrain. The island's mountainous landscape can significantly influence the path of typhoons, causing them to alter their course or slow down.

In Gaemi's case, the interaction with the mountainous geography led to its looping pattern, deviating from its initial trajectory.

This phenomenon is not unprecedented; similar looping patterns have been observed with other typhoons affecting Taiwan. The island's unique geography often causes these dramatic changes in storm behaviour, adding an extra layer of complexity to forecasting and tracking such powerful weather systems.

Typhoon Gaemi mapped: Storm heads for China after pounding Taiwan and Philippines

Thursday 25 July 2024 11:33 , Stuti Mishra

A powerful typhoon is churning towards the southeastern coast of China after pounding Taiwan and flooding the Philippines.

Typhoon Gaemi, also known as Typhoon Carina in the Philippines, made landfall in Taiwan in the early hours of Thursday as the worst storm in eight years.

The typhoon was moving over the Taiwan Strait on Thursday towards mainland China’s Fujian province, where it is expected to make landfall later, bringing more strong winds and downpours to a country already hit hard by weeks of extreme rain and deadly flooding.

See the path of the typhoon here:

Typhoon Gaemi mapped: Storm heads for China after pounding Taiwan and Philippines

Taiwan sees flooding and landslides from Typhoon Gaemi

Thursday 25 July 2024 11:00 , Stuti Mishra

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.

Offices and schools in Taiwan were closed for the second consecutive day on Thursday and people were urged to stay home and away from the coastline.

Read more:

Taiwan sees flooding and landslides from Typhoon Gaemi, which caused 22 deaths in the Philippines

Death toll rises to 22 in Philippines

Thursday 25 July 2024 10:00 , Stuti Mishra

The death toll from adverse weather brought by Typhoon Gaemi rose to 22 in the Philippines today as a result of more drownings and landslides.

Authorities continue to face challenges in rescue and clean up operations, and at least three people are still missing, according to police.

Gaemi, called Carina in the Philippines, did not make landfall in that archipelago but enhanced its seasonal monsoon rains.

In the densely populated region around the Philippine capital, government work and school classes were suspended after rains flooded many areas.

Roads were inundated, houses of muddied and people were seen wading through waist deep water in and around Manila.

The storm’s effects were expected to continue into Friday as it moved in a northwestern direction toward mainland China.

Tanker carrying 1.5m litres of fuel capsizes

Thursday 25 July 2024 09:02 , Stuti Mishra

A major oil spill is underway off the coast of the Philippines after a tanker ship carrying 1.5m litres of industrial fuel capsized early on Thursday morning, officials said.

One crew member aboard the MT Terra Nova has been reported missing, the country’s transportation secretary Jaime Bautista said.

Arpan Rai has more:

Philippine oil tanker sinks in Manila Bay, raising concerns about a possible major spill

In photos: Muddied homes and flooded streets in Philippines after relentless rainfall

Thursday 25 July 2024 08:01 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi tracker: Where is the storm and when is it making landfall in China?

Thursday 25 July 2024 07:08 , Stuti Mishra

On Thursday morning, Typhoon Gaema was churning closer to China’s sotheastern coast, expected to make landfall by Thursday evening.

The storm has weakened after making landfall in Taiwan but it was still a typhoon, equivalent to a category 3 hurricane.

According to the latest update from the Philippines weather bureau, the storm has moved out of the Philippines’ area of responsibility, an area of the ocean monitored by the Philippines for storms and typhoons.

It was moving westward at 20kmh with maximum sustained winds of 140kmh near the centre and gustiness up to 215kmh.

The typhoon will be making landfall in Fuzhou in China’s Fujian province and then move inwards after weakening to a tropical depression.

Chinese city suspends passenger ferries as Typhoon Gaemi approaches

Thursday 25 July 2024 06:30 , Stuti Mishra

China's Wenzhou city has suspended 49 scheduled passenger ferry journeys due to the imminent threat posed by Typhoon Gaemi, state media reported.

The decision comes as part of precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and maritime operations, officials were quoted as saying.

Flights and trains have also been cancelled in Fujian as the typhoon brings heavy rainfall and gale force winds.

Most flights were cancelled at airports in Fuzhou and Quanzhou in Fujian, and Wenzhou in Zhejiang, according to the VariFlight app.

Guangzhou rail officials suspended some trains that pass through typhoon-affected areas, according to CCTV.

Oil spill in Philippines as tanker carrying 1,500 tonnes of fuel capsizes

Thursday 25 July 2024 06:00 , Stuti Mishra

An oil tanker has capsized off the coast of Limay in the Philippines early this morning, causing a significant oil spill.The vessel, MT Terra Nova, was carrying 1,494 metric tonnes of industrial fuel.

The Philippine Coast Guard is investigating the incident to determine if it is linked to Typhoon Gaemi.

Transportation secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed the incident, noting that strong winds and high waves have hindered immediate response efforts.

Of the 17 crew members aboard, 16 have been rescued, while one remains missing. A search operation is underway.

“There was no weather disturbance in the vicinity waters when the maritime incident occurred,” Coast Guard spokesperson Armando Balilo, said.

The authorities are working to address the environmental impact of the spill as rescue and investigation efforts continue.

China activates emergency plans as Typhoon Gaemi moves closer

Thursday 25 July 2024 05:30 , Stuti Mishra

Chinese weather forecasters said Gaemi will pass through Fujian province later on Thursday and head inland, gradually moving northward with less intensity.

But weather forecasters are expecting heavy rain in many areas as it tracks north.

Government officials have already prepared for heavy rain and flooding, raising advisories and warnings in the coastal provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang.

In Fujian, government officials have relocated about 150,000 people, mainly from coastal fishing communities, state media reported.

As gale force winds picked up, officials in Zhoushan in Zhejiang province suspended passenger waterway routes for up to three days.

Most flights were cancelled at airports in Fuzhou and Quanzhou in Fujian, and Wenzhou in Zhejiang, according to the VariFlight app.

Guangzhou rail officials suspended some trains that pass through typhoon-affected areas, according to CCTV.

Meanwhile, north China is experiencing heavy rain from summer storms around a separate weather system.

Officials in capital Beijing upgraded and issued a red warning late on Wednesday night for torrential rain expected through most of Thursday, according to Chinese state media.

Some areas have already experienced heavy rain and emergency plans were activated, with more than 25,000 people evacuated, according to Beijing Daily.

Some train services were also suspended at the Beijing West Railway Station, state media said.

The Beijing Fangshan District Meteorological Observatory expects that by 10am (2am GMT) many parts of the city will have more than 150mm (6 inches) of rainfall in six hours, and in some other areas more than 200mm (8 inches) in 24 hours, state television reported.

Nine missing as Typhoon Gaemi sinks freighter off Taiwan

Thursday 25 July 2024 04:57 , Stuti Mishra

A Tanzania-flagged freighter with nine Myanmar nationals on board has sunk off the coast of the southern port city of Kaohsiung amid extreme weather brought by Typhoon Gaemi, Taiwan's fire department said.

Officials say there has been no response from the crew.

Search efforts were ongoing, it added.

Typhoon Gaemi has brought heavy rainfall, gusty winds and a dangerous storm surge to Taiwan.

Three dead and 266 injured after Typhoon Gaemi makes landfall

Thursday 25 July 2024 04:16 , Stuti Mishra

Three people have died and 266 were injured in Taiwan as Typhoon Gaemi barrelled through the island.

One scooter rider in southern Kaohsiung city was crushed by a falling tree before the arrival of storm, a woman in eastern Hualien died after a wall fell on the car she was in, and a neighbourhood leader in New Taipei was driving an excavator which overturned, authorities said.

The storm made landfall around midnight local time (5pm BST) on the northeastern coast of Taiwan in Yilan county.

It is the strongest typhoon to hit the island in eight years and was packing gusts of up to 227kph (141mph) before weakening, according to the Central Weather Administration.

The island was lashed by hours of heavy rain and powerful winds.

Excess ocean heat from climate change intensifies typhoon, say experts

Thursday 25 July 2024 03:00 , Jane Dalton

Excess ocean heat may be helping fuel the typhoon that’s nearing Taiwan.

Scientists say climate change is making typhoons – tropical cyclones that gain energy by feeding on ocean heat – more intense, capable of reaching greater wind speeds and dumping more rain.

Wind speeds at the typhoon’s centre were approaching their second-highest ever recorded for the Western Pacific Ocean on Wednesday afternoon.

Super-typhoons: The tropical cyclones that cause poverty

Thursday 25 July 2024 02:00 , Jane Dalton

As Typhoon Gaemi approaches Taiwan, it has escalated into a super-typhoon before making landfall.

A super-typhoon is an extremely powerful tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, distinguished by sustained wind speeds of at least 150 miles per hour (241 kilometres per hour).

The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) uses this classification, placing super-typhoons on par with the most intense hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, specifically Category 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Historically, super-storms like Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 and Typhoon Meranti in 2016 have caused widespread destruction. More than 14 million people were affected by Haiyan. It also pushed 2.3 million people into poverty.

Typhoon Meranti which struck the Philippines, Taiwan and mainland China, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones on record, causing more than $2.6 billion in damage and leading to more than 30 deaths.

Hundreds of thousands forced to flee homes

Thursday 25 July 2024 01:00 , Jane Dalton

Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes in the Philippines, thanks to monsoon rains and the typhoon:

Monsoon rains worsened by offshore typhoon leave 8 dead and displace 600,000 in Philippines

Mountains disrupt Gaemi’s circulation

Wednesday 24 July 2024 23:45 , Jane Dalton

Weather experts say Taiwan’s mountains have forced the typhoon to change course.

Television forecaster Jeff Berardelli said friction from the large mountains deflected the storm by disrupting its circulation.

Hurricane researcher Michael Ferragamo said: “I’d say there’s some sort of geography at play here, with the higher terrain of the island perhaps deflecting conventional motion to the south.”

Heavy rain over China predicted to last a week

Wednesday 24 July 2024 22:45 , Jane Dalton

Typhoon Gaemi is expected to bring heavy to very intense rains over vast swathes of China from Thursday, the water resources ministry warned.

The rains are expected to last for a week, fuelled by the typhoon’s abundant moisture, it added.

China’s National Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert, the highest level, according to Xinhua.

Gaemi movement surprises experts

Wednesday 24 July 2024 21:45 , Jane Dalton

Meteorologists and cyclone researchers have been surprised by the path Typhoon Gaemi has taken.

One said it made a sharp unexpected turn south before slamming into the Taiwan coast, then looped around and was now heading for its second attempted landfall.

Radar images showed it moving anti-clockwise off the east coast.

In pictures: Storm inundates Philippines

Wednesday 24 July 2024 21:13 , Jane Dalton

Shelters open as storm threatens homes

Wednesday 24 July 2024 19:15 , Jane Dalton

Shelters have been opened in vulnerable areas, particularly in Taiwan’s mountainous centre and east that are prone to landslides and flooding, as the typhoon threatens to wreck homes.

Streets have been inundated in numerous towns and cities, and high winds knocked down pedestrians and riders of the island’s ubiquitous motor scooters.

Schools, offices and tourist sites were closed, and the storm prompted the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan’s east coast.

Two more people killed in Taiwan

Wednesday 24 July 2024 18:35 , Jane Dalton

The death toll from the typhoon in Taiwan has risen to three.

Taiwan’s Central News Agency said more than 220 other people were injured as Typhoon Gaemi gathered strength and brought strong winds and heavy rain.

The three deaths included a driver pinned under his excavator after it overturned on a slippery road, a woman hit by a falling tree and a woman crushed in a car by a collapsing wall, the agency said.

Typhoon may be briefly veering away from Taiwan

Wednesday 24 July 2024 16:58 , Jane Dalton

The typhoon may be temporarily looping back out into the Pacific after hitting the Taiwan coast, it’s been suggested, based on radar images:

Excess ocean heat from climate change intensifies typhoon, say experts

Wednesday 24 July 2024 16:00 , Jane Dalton

Excess ocean heat may be helping fuel the typhoon that’s nearing Taiwan.

Scientists say climate change is making typhoons – tropical cyclones that gain energy by feeding on ocean heat – more intense, capable of reaching greater wind speeds and dumping more rain.

Wind speeds at the typhoon’s centre were approaching their second-highest ever recorded for the Western Pacific Ocean on Wednesday afternoon.

Taiwan was forced to scale back annual war games ahead of Typhoon Gaemi

Wednesday 24 July 2024 15:30 , Stuti Mishra

Taiwan has been forced to scale back its annual war games as it braced for Typhoon Gaemi.

The island is conducting the Han Kuang military drills involving its land, air and naval forces to simulate actual battle from Monday to Friday.

The air force drills off the east coast scheduled for Tuesday were cancelled, but naval and land exercises were set to continue in and around other parts of the self-governing island.

On Wednesday, schools, offices and financial markets also shut down leaving streets of Taipei empty as heavy winds and rainfall battered the island nation.

Shweta Sharma has more details.

Taiwan scales back annual war games as Typhoon Gaemi approaches

Typhoon Gaemi intensifies into a super typhoon. What does that mean?

Wednesday 24 July 2024 15:00 , Stuti Mishra

As Typhoon Gaemi approaches Taiwan, it has escalated into a super typhoon before making landfall. But what exactly is a super typhoon, and why is there such concern?

What is a super typhoon?

A super typhoon is an extremely powerful tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, distinguished by sustained wind speeds of at least 150 miles per hour (241 kilometres per hour). The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) uses this classification, placing super typhoons on par with the most intense hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, specifically Category 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Historically, super storms like Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 and Typhoon Meranti in 2016 have caused widespread destructions. More than 14 million people were affected by Haiyan. It also pushed 2.3 million people into poverty.

Typhoon Meranti which struck the Philippines, Taiwan and mainland China, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones on record, causing more than $2.6 billion in damage and leading to more than 30 deaths.

Flight Disruptions at Fuzhou Changle International Airport Due to Typhoon Gaemi

Wednesday 24 July 2024 14:30 , Stuti Mishra

State media reports that Fuzhou Changle International Airport has canceled 13 flights and delayed the departure of multiple others as Typhoon Gaemi approaches. The super typhoon, which has already intensified significantly, is expected to bring severe weather conditions to the region.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses and to make necessary arrangements.

All domestic flights and over 200 international flights were cancelled in Taiwan earlier.

Several operators in China have also cancelled railway services on Thursday.

China maritime safety administration launches level 1 emergency response ahead of Typhoon Gaemi

Wednesday 24 July 2024 14:00 , Stuti Mishra

In China, the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration has launched a Level I emergency response, the highest alert, in anticipation of Gaemi’s arrival.

The typhoon is expected to move towards China’s Fujian province by Friday, prompting authorities to prepare for significant disruptions and potential evacuations.

Several train operators have already cancelled railway services on Thursday.

After battering Taiwan, Typhoon Gaemi will head towards China’s Fujian province, which is already hit hard by weeks of extreme rain and deadly flooding.

China suspends trains ahead of Typhoon Gaemi

Wednesday 24 July 2024 13:30 , Stuti Mishra

China Railway Nanchang Group has suspended all its passenger trains tomorrow in Fujian province ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Gaemi, state media reports.Earlier, Shenzen’s rail authority suspended 260 trains for Thursday.Typhoon Gaemi will make landfall in Taiwan today and then head towards China’s Fujian province, which is already hit hard by weeks of extreme rain and deadly flooding.

China's Met issues 'red alert' for Typhoon Gaemi

Wednesday 24 July 2024 13:00 , Stuti Mishra

China's National Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert, the highest level, for Typhoon Gaemi, according to Xinhua.

A red alert is the highest level of warning in China's color-coded alert system, which typically signifies that extreme weather conditions are imminent or occurring, and it calls for immediate action to ensure safety.

The alert means residents in affected areas should prepare for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding.

The powerful storm, now classified as a super typhoon, is expected to bring severe weather conditions as it approaches the northern coast of Taiwan and China's Fujian province.

When will Typhoon Gaemi make landfall in Taiwan?

Wednesday 24 July 2024 12:30 , Stuti Mishra

Gaemi, a super typhoon, is churning closer to Taiwan with 10-min sustained winds of 185kmh (115mph) gusting to 230 kmh, already bringing heavy rainfall to the island.

As of 6pm local time (11am BST), the outer rings of the storm had almost reached the island, according to the latest information from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The storm was forecast to make landfall by 2am local time on Thursday (7pm BST Wednesday). However, the sheer size of the storm meant that its outer rings would be completely covering Taiwan hours before that.

In photos: Roads submerged, thousands evacuating as relentless rain continues to batter the Philippines

Wednesday 24 July 2024 11:56 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi could intensify into a super typhoon. What does that mean?

Wednesday 24 July 2024 11:30 , Stuti Mishra

As Typhoon Gaemi approaches Taiwan, it has escalated into a super typhoon before making landfall. But what exactly is a super typhoon, and why is there such concern?

What is a super typhoon?

A super typhoon is an extremely powerful tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, distinguished by sustained wind speeds of at least 150 miles per hour (241 kilometres per hour). The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) uses this classification, placing super typhoons on par with the most intense hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, specifically Category 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Historically, super storms like Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 and Typhoon Meranti in 2016 have caused widespread destructions. More than 14 million people were affected by Haiyan. It also pushed 2.3 million people into poverty.

Typhoon Meranti which struck the Philippines, Taiwan and mainland China, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones on record, causing more than $2.6 billion in damage and leading to more than 30 deaths.

Typhoon Gaemi intensifies into 'super typhoon' ahead of landfall

Wednesday 24 July 2024 11:14 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Gaemi, which is churning towards Taiwan and due to make landfall in the coming few hours, has intensified into a super typhoon, according to the Philippines' weather agency.

"Carina intensifies into super typhoon and is about to make landfall over northern Taiwan," the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) wrote on X, referring to the storm by its Filipino name.

The storm's outer winds are already battering Taiwan and earlier caused devastation in the Philippines, with heavy rain and powerful gusts contributing to floods and landslides that have killed at least 13 people.

Philippines coast guard 'overwhelmed' as thousands stuck in floodwater while river swells

Wednesday 24 July 2024 10:40 , Stuti Mishra

Rescuers in the Philippines are responding to hundreds of pleas from residents stuck amid floodwaters with the coast guard "overwhelmed" as rainfall from Typhoon Gaemi continues to pound the archipelago.

In Marikina city in the eastern fringes of the Manila region, the continuing downpour swelled a major river, prompting many residents to flee to safety.

The strong currents swept away a steel cargo container, refrigerators, pieces of home furniture and tree trunks, according to the Associated Press.

Some residents called radio stations and asked to be rescued by authorities from rooftops or upper floors of their low-slung houses amid rising floodwaters.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon, a flood-prone city in the northern section of the capital region, assured one alarmed mother that rescue boats and trucks have been scrambling all day to help trapped residents like her.

"Stay calm. We're doing everything we can. The local government won't leave you behind," Sandoval told the DZRH radio network.

Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the Philippine coast guard, where he serves as a spokesperson, has been overwhelmed with pleas from floodwater-trapped residents in the capital to be rescued, including those who were waiting for help from rooftops.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered authorities to speed up efforts to deliver food and other aid to isolated rural villages.

"People there may not have eaten for days," Mr Marcos said in a televised emergency meeting.

The Philippine coast guard said more than 350 passengers and cargo truck drivers and workers were stranded in seaports after ferries and cargo ships were prohibited from venturing into rough seas.

It added that coast guard personnel helped more than 200 residents evacuate a coastal village in Batangas province south of Manila where storm-tossed waves have hit coastal houses.