Taiwan is grappling with the severe impacts of Typhoon Gaemi, which has brought strong winds and heavy rain to the island, according to Focus Taiwan. As of 10:40 pm Wednesday, the typhoon has resulted in at least three deaths and over 220 injuries. The Central Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) and local officials are closely monitoring the situation.
One fatal incident involved Wang Chin-sheng, the chief of Wuliao ward in Sanxia District, New Taipei. Wang died when the mechanical excavator he was operating overturned on a slippery industrial road. Despite rescue attempts and hospital transport, he did not survive. His death had not yet been officially included in the CEOC’s figures.
The CEOC has warned that Typhoon Gaemi will have a significant impact on Taiwan starting Wednesday night, with landfall expected on the northeastern coast and continued effects through Thursday. In response, all 22 cities and counties in Taiwan have announced closures of schools and offices for Thursday.
Among the reported fatalities, one occurred in Hualien County and another in Kaohsiung’s Fengshan District. In Fengshan, a 64-year-old woman named Lu was killed by a falling tree while riding her scooter. Emergency responders were unable to revive her. In Hualien City, a 45-year-old woman was killed by a collapsing parapet wall, and her son sustained severe injuries and was found unconscious.
The CEOC reported 227 injuries across Taiwan. In New Taipei’s Sanzhi District, a 30-year-old man named Chen was injured when strong winds ripped off the roof of his house. In Kaohsiung’s Sinsing District, Peng suffered multiple abrasions after falling from his scooter due to a collision with a fallen tree.
Local authorities have relocated 8,569 individuals to ensure their safety. As of 11 p.m., the Central Weather Administration reported that Typhoon Gaemi was about 30 kilometers east-northeast of Hualien County, moving northwest at 12 km/h. The storm has intensified, with maximum sustained winds of 184 kph and gusts reaching 227 kph.