Typhoon Gaemi Hits China After Taiwan, Thousands Evacuated Amid Flood Warnings

Typhoon Gaemi, the most powerful storm to hit China's eastern seaboard this year, has struck southeastern China after battering Taiwan. The typhoon made landfall in Fujian province at 7:50 p.m. (1150 GMT) on Thursday, bringing with it intense winds of up to 227 kph (141 mph) and heavy rainfall. 

As a precaution, authorities evacuated 240,800 people in Fujian to safer locations. Despite slightly weakening upon landfall in Putian, a city of over 3 million, Gaemi's massive cloud-bands are expected to continue producing severe weather, including flash floods and waterlogging, across at least 10 Chinese provinces in the coming days. The storm's impact is drawing comparisons to Typhoon Doksuri from last year, which caused historic flooding and significant financial losses.

In Taiwan, Gaemi has already caused substantial damage, including three fatalities, numerous injuries, and significant flooding. The storm also sank a freighter off the coast of Kaohsiung, with nine crew members aboard, three of whom were later found alive. Taiwan experienced extensive power outages affecting around half a million households, though most have since been restored. The storm prompted the closure of offices, schools, and financial markets, with numerous flights cancelled and train services halted.

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Authorities have warned of potential dangerous rises in water levels in the Yangtze River and large lakes in central China, exacerbating the risk of floods in areas still recovering from recent storms. Beijing is also on alert for heavy rainfall, which could lead to further flooding in the already saturated regions.