Taiwan braces for Typhoon Gaemi, urges citizens to stay indoors

As Typhoon Gaemi approaches Taiwan, the island nation is taking extensive precautions to ensure the safety of its citizens.

With the storm intensifying, Taiwan has declared a state of emergency, leading to the closure of government agencies, businesses, and schools. Flights have been grounded, financial markets suspended, and work activities halted as the country prepares for the impact of the magnificent storm.

Weather authorities predict that Typhoon Gaemi, expected to be the strongest storm to hit Taiwan in eight years, will make landfall on the northeast coast on Wednesday evening. It is then projected to cross the Taiwan Strait and reach the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian on Thursday afternoon.

The military has been placed on high alert, ready to assist with emergency response efforts. Residents are urged to stay indoors and prepare for potential flooding as heavy rainfall and strong winds are anticipated.

Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The next 24 hours will present a very severe challenge.”

In rural Yilan county, where the typhoon is expected to first hit land, preparations are underway as wind and rain intensify. Eateries have closed, and most roads are empty as residents seek shelter.

Fishing boats in Yilan’s harbor of Suao are crowded together, seeking protection from the impending storm. The potential damage from Typhoon Gaemi is immense, particularly if it makes landfall on the east coast.

Transportation has been significantly affected, with almost all domestic flights and 201 international flights canceled. Rail operations will also come to a stop, except for a reduced schedule for high-speed links between north and south Taiwan.

Despite the disruptions, TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, expects its factories to maintain normal production during the typhoon. The company has activated routine preparations to ensure the safety of its operations.

While Taiwan relies on typhoons to replenish reservoirs, the impact of Gaemi is expected to be significant. Weather officials anticipate rainfall of up to 1,800 mm (70 inches) in some mountainous counties, posing a risk of landslides.

The typhoon’s reach extends beyond Taiwan, with China also preparing for heavy rainfall. The water resources ministry warns of very intense rains in areas between the Pearl River basin in the south and the Songhua and Liao River basins on the northeastern border with Russia and North Korea.