Deadly Typhoon Gaemi exacerbated torrential monsoon rains in the Philippines, leading to severe flooding and widespread damage. The capital, Manila, remained submerged, trapping thousands of residents in rising floodwaters. At least 13 people lost their lives, and over 600,000 individuals were displaced due to the calamity.
Although the typhoon, locally known as Carina, did not make landfall in the Philippines, its outer bands unleashed more than 12 inches of rain in the Manila region and parts of Luzon. This prompted officials to declare a state of calamity in the capital and evacuate tens of thousands of people.
Images from Manila depicted harrowing scenes of individuals wading through chest-deep water and seeking refuge on rooftops. Families were rescued from flooded homes by disaster response teams, with some areas reporting floods as high as one-story buildings.
In Taiwan, where Gaemi made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and a dangerous storm surge caused two fatalities and nearly 300 injuries. The island experienced widespread closures of schools, businesses, and transportation services, with some regions receiving up to 48 inches of rain.
As the typhoon moved towards China, Taiwan continued to endure torrential rain, leading to the sinking of a cargo ship off its coast. In the Philippines, a maritime incident involving an oil tanker off the coast of Bataan resulted in the rescue of 16 crew members, with one still missing.
The devastating flooding in the Philippines forced the closure of schools and businesses, with over 150 flights canceled. Rescue operations are ongoing to evacuate trapped residents, with thousands seeking shelter in evacuation centers.
The Philippine Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for donations to assist those affected by the typhoon-enhanced monsoon. The disaster has highlighted the country's vulnerability to extreme weather events, exacerbated by the impacts of the climate crisis.
Experts warn that as climate change intensifies, countries in the Global South, including the Philippines, face increasing risks from extreme weather disasters. Urgent action is needed to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of future storms and flooding.
President Marcos has emphasized flood prevention efforts in response to the disaster, but campaigners urge more robust climate action to protect vulnerable communities. The recent events underscore the urgent need for climate justice and proactive measures to address the escalating impacts of climate change.
