Typhoon Gaemi Leaves Trail of Destruction Across East Asia

Typhoon Gaemi, which has since weakened to a severe tropical storm, has caused significant damage and loss of life across East Asia. The storm made landfall on the east coast of China on Thursday evening, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that felled trees, flooded streets, and damaged crops. While there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage in China, five people died in Taiwan, which Gaemi crossed at typhoon strength on Thursday. The worst loss of life, however, was in the Philippines, where the typhoon exacerbated seasonal monsoon rains, causing landslides and severe flooding that resulted in 32 deaths. The typhoon's impact was felt as far north as the provinces of Jilin and Liaoning in China, which are still grappling with overflowing rivers and waterlogged cities following a powerful cluster of summer storms. Scientists have warned that global warming is worsening tropical storms, making them less frequent but much more intense. The events highlight the growing threat of extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.