Heavy rains and flooding from Typhoon Gaemi have resulted in at least 30 deaths and left 35 people missing across eight towns in the southern Chinese province of Hunan, state-run news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday. The typhoon, which made landfall in China on July 25, brought severe weather conditions including winds reaching up to 110 kph (70 mph) and intense rainfall.
Rescue Operations and Infrastructure Recovery
On Thursday, rescue teams reached the eight towns in Zixing City that had been isolated due to destroyed infrastructure and power grids since last Sunday. By noon on August 1, local authorities confirmed that roads, electricity, and communications in the most severely affected areas had been largely restored, and significant progress had been made in search and rescue efforts. Despite this, rescue operations are ongoing.
Emergency Response and Relief Efforts
In response to the flooding, China has elevated its emergency response level to support local disaster relief efforts and ensure basic living security for those affected. The Ministry of Emergency Management announced measures to provide enhanced assistance to the impacted areas.
Typhoon Gaemi’s Impact and Path
Typhoon Gaemi initially made landfall in China on the evening of July 25, continuing west-northwest and causing extensive rainfall. Forecasters predicted rainfall between 150 to 250 mm (6 to 10 inches), with higher amounts up to 400 mm (15 inches) in elevated regions and along the coast.
The storm had earlier caused severe flooding in Taiwan, where rainfall in five townships exceeded 1,285 mm (50 inches). Gaemi’s path was altered by Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, leading to a prolonged offshore period and a loop near the Hualien coastline rather than its expected landfall on July 24. The typhoon also exacerbated monsoon rains, leading to significant flooding in the Philippine capital.
Ongoing Challenges and Forecast
The widespread impact of Typhoon Gaemi highlights ongoing challenges for rescue and recovery operations in the affected regions. Authorities continue to address the aftermath of the storm and provide aid to those in need.