Typhoon Gaemi Slams Taiwan: 5 Dead, 500 Injured, Dozens Stranded at Sea

Typhoon Gaemi struck Taiwan with powerful winds and heavy rain, leaving five dead and over 500 injured, mainly due to falling debris. Rescue operations are underway for stranded sailors, with 79 crew members still awaiting evacuation from eight freighters. Widespread flooding has caused significant damage, forcing businesses and schools in southern Taiwan to remain closed as recovery efforts continue.

Typhoon Gaemi Slams Taiwan: 5 Dead, 500 Injured, Dozens Stranded at Sea

Taiwan’s coast guard worked on Friday to rescue numerous sailors stranded off the island’s southern coast after Typhoon Gaemi caused a freighter to sink and left eight others grounded in the Taiwan Strait. Rescue operations were hampered by rough seas and strong winds, making it difficult for vessels to get close to the stranded ships.

Coast guard officials stated that they were using helicopters and specialized rescue boats to assist in the mission. Families of the missing crew members anxiously awaited news as authorities continued their search efforts. The government pledged full support for the rescue operations, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The powerful storm made landfall in Taiwan on Thursday, bringing winds of up to 227 kph (141 mph) before continuing westward toward China, where heavy rainfall is expected. According to coast guard officials, a Tanzania-flagged cargo ship sank near Kaohsiung port, resulting in one confirmed fatality, four rescued crew members, and four others still missing.

Rescue teams battled turbulent waters and strong winds in their ongoing search for the missing sailors, deploying helicopters and patrol boats to scan the area. Officials expressed concern that the missing crew members might have been swept away by powerful currents, making the search even more challenging. Divers were also being considered for deployment if conditions improved. Meanwhile, authorities were working closely with maritime agencies to determine the cause of the ship’s sinking.

Freighters Stranded, Dozens Await Rescue

A total of 79 crew members remained stranded on eight freighters following the typhoon, according to the coast guard, as high waves and strong currents continued to hinder rescue efforts. Authorities reported that some of the stranded ships had suffered structural damage, making the situation even more perilous for those onboard. Rescue teams were coordinating with nearby vessels and deploying helicopters where possible to assist in the evacuation. Earlier, nine people were successfully rescued from a Togo-flagged freighter that had run aground on a beach, with emergency responders using ropes and life vests to bring them safely to shore despite the challenging conditions.

Kuan Bi-ling, Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Minister overseeing the coast guard, stated on Facebook that rescue teams struggled with five-meter-high waves. Their ships could only get within one nautical mile of the stranded vessels, making further approach difficult. She emphasized that the number of stranded freighters due to this storm was unprecedented and assured that rescue efforts would persist.

Heavy Rainfall and Injuries Across Taiwan

Since Tuesday, southern Taiwan’s mountainous regions have received over 1,800 mm (70.8 inches) of rainfall, leading to flash floods in multiple cities and towns. While the flooding has largely receded, the typhoon left five people dead and injured more than 500, mostly due to falling debris.

Emergency responders used inflatable boats to evacuate over 300 individuals from floodwaters, ensuring their safety amid the widespread devastation. In some areas, rescuers had to navigate through strong currents and submerged roads to reach stranded residents. The government deployed additional emergency personnel and relief supplies to affected regions, prioritizing those in critical need. Many businesses and schools in southern Taiwan remained closed for the third consecutive day as recovery efforts continued, with crews working tirelessly to clear debris, restore electricity, and repair damaged infrastructure. Authorities warned residents to remain cautious, as landslides and aftereffects of the storm could still pose dangers.