Typhoon Gaemi Ravages Taiwan Before Heading to China

Typhoon Gaemi struck northern Taiwan, causing floods and traffic disruptions, and is now moving towards China. The typhoon, Taiwan's strongest in eight years, led to school, office, and market closures, as well as flight cancellations. Further torrential rains are expected in both Taiwan and China.

Typhoon Gaemi swept through northern Taiwan on Thursday, causing floods and severe traffic disruptions. It now heads towards China, promising further torrential rainfall.

Gaemi made landfall at midnight on Taiwan's northeastern coast in Yilan county, marking the island's most powerful typhoon in eight years with gusts up to 227 kph (141 mph) before weakening. By 8:30 am Thursday, Gaemi was in the Taiwan Strait, moving towards Fuzhou in China's Fujian province.

The typhoon's impact has shut offices, schools, financial markets, and caused a halt in train services and numerous flight cancellations across Taiwan. Two deaths and 266 injuries have been reported, along with extensive flooding in various regions.

As Gaemi progresses towards China, officials expect heavy rainfall across many northern areas. Coastal provinces Fujian and Zhejiang have raised warnings for heavy rain and flooding. Concurrently, northern China, including Beijing, braces for heavy summer storms.

(With inputs from agencies.)