Image Credit: India Today
Typhoon Gaemi has devastated Taiwan, resulting in eight deaths, one missing person, and 866 injuries as of 8 p.m. on Friday, July 26, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC). The powerful storm wreaked havoc across the island, causing widespread destruction and disrupting lives.
The latest fatality was reported in Chiayi, while the highest number of casualties was recorded in Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung, according to the Central News Agency (CNA). Despite ongoing rescue efforts, a 67-year-old man surnamed Kuo, remains missing after reportedly falling into a drainage culvert on Taiwan Provincial Highway 3 in Fanlu, Chiayi. The search for Kuo continues into Saturday, July 27, as darkness hampers rescue operations.
The CEOC noted that four incidents were excluded from the official typhoon-related casualty statistics, as local governments determined they were not directly related to the typhoon. However, the destruction caused by Typhoon Gaemi remains extensive, with numerous communities grappling with the aftermath.
In addition to the human toll, the typhoon has inflicted severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land. The storm’s powerful winds and torrential rains have led to flooding, landslides, and power outages, compounding the challenges faced by rescue and recovery teams. Emergency services are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and provide assistance to affected residents.
Authorities have urged the public to stay vigilant and adhere to safety advisories as cleanup and recovery efforts continue. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of the population.