Taiwan Braces for Typhoon Gaemi's Impact: Island-wide Shutdowns and Evacuations

As Typhoon Gaemi approaches Taiwan with alarming intensity, the island nation has initiated a series of precautionary measures, including the closure of schools, suspension of stock market activities, and the declaration of a typhoon holiday. The storm, characterized by sustained wind speeds of 190 kilometers (118 miles) per hour, is already affecting Japan and the Philippines, with the latter announcing the closure of government offices for the day.

Taiwanese authorities anticipate Gaemi's landfall in the northeast region by 10 p.m. local time (1400 GMT). President Lai Ching-te, during an emergency briefing, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and urged citizens to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, especially avoiding high-risk areas.

"Gaemi is this year's first typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan," President Lai stated, expressing hope that collective efforts would minimize the storm's impact on the island.

The approaching typhoon has forced Taiwan to modify its annual Han Kuang war games, which simulate defense scenarios against potential invasions. While most exercises were canceled, an anti-landing drill proceeded as scheduled on Penghu Island, west of Taiwan, underscoring the delicate balance between national security preparedness and natural disaster response.

In a proactive move, authorities have evacuated over 4,000 residents from vulnerable areas, particularly in the mountainous Hualien region, known for its high landslide risk. By afternoon, reports indicated that nearly 60 people across the island had already sustained injuries related to the typhoon's effects.

The island's transportation network has been significantly disrupted, with the suspension of train and ferry services and the cancellation of hundreds of international and domestic flights. Cheng Jia-ping, chief of Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, warned that the typhoon's impact could extend up to four days, lasting until Friday, and advised the public to prepare for prolonged periods of heavy rain and strong winds.

After passing through Taiwan, Gaemi is expected to traverse the Taiwan Strait and make landfall in China's eastern Zhejiang and Fujian provinces by Thursday. Chinese authorities have already issued a red storm alert in anticipation of the typhoon's arrival.

In Taiwan's northeastern Yilan County, the approaching storm has manifested in massive waves crashing against the shoreline. Local vendors and shop owners are scrambling to protect their businesses, while fishers in harbors are securing their vessels in typhoon shelters. One fisher, surnamed Hsu, expressed concern about the potential impact on his livelihood, stating, "I am worried about the typhoon; the boats are my tool for making money."

The capital city, Taipei, has taken on an eerily quiet atmosphere with government offices closed and streets largely deserted. Some businesses have taken extra precautions by sandbagging their entrances to guard against potential flooding.

Despite the widespread shutdowns, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, announced its intention to maintain normal production levels. The company stated that it has "activated routine typhoon alert preparation procedures" at all of its fabrication plants, highlighting the critical nature of Taiwan's semiconductor industry even in the face of natural disasters.

The typhoon's effects are not limited to Taiwan. In Japan's southern Okinawa region, authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution against storms, high waves, and flooding. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, heavy rainfall in Manila has triggered widespread flooding, and a landslide in a nearby mountainous province has tragically claimed four lives.

As Typhoon Gaemi continues its path, the region remains on high alert, with authorities and citizens alike preparing for what could be a significant meteorological event. The coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the typhoon's impact on Taiwan and its neighbors.