Taiwan curtailed its annual Han Kuang war games and readied emergency equipment on Tuesday as Typhoon Gaemi advanced toward the island. The government issued a land warning, anticipating strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Typhoon’s Path and Expected Impact
Typhoon Gaemi, the first of the season to impact Taiwan, is forecasted to make landfall on the northeast coast between Wednesday night and early Thursday, according to the Central Weather Administration. Categorized as a medium strength typhoon, Gaemi is expected to traverse the Taiwan Strait and strike Fujian province in southeastern China early Friday.
Government Preparedness and Warnings
Taiwan’s government has issued a land warning for the northern, eastern, and northeastern regions, where landfall is most probable. The government has also placed over 1,000 rubber boats on standby for potential flooding and distributed emergency supplies, including food, water, and communication equipment, to remote areas.
Impact on Industry and Infrastructure
TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, assured that all its factories would maintain normal production during the typhoon, having activated routine preparation procedures. Some mountainous central and southern counties are predicted to receive up to 1,800 mm (70 inches) of rainfall during the typhoon.
Adjustments to Military Drills and Transportation
The annual Han Kuang military drills were curtailed, with fighter jet exercises on the east coast being canceled. “The impact from the typhoon at present on the east coast is rather obvious,” said Ministry of Defense spokesman Sun Li-fang. Adjustments to air and naval operations were made accordingly.
All ferries to Green Island and Orchid Island were canceled, and domestic flights to these islands by Daily Air were suspended for Wednesday. While international services remained unaffected, restrictions on arrivals and departures at Taoyuan International Airport were planned.
Potential Typhoon Holiday and Preceding Events
Cities across Taiwan may declare a typhoon holiday, closing financial markets, schools, and offices if deemed necessary. Gaemi passed by the east of the Philippines without making landfall but brought significant rainfall.
Significance of Typhoons for Taiwan
While typhoons can cause substantial destruction, they also play a crucial role in replenishing reservoirs, particularly in the traditionally drier southern part of Taiwan.