International

IIE Digital desk: Typhoon Gaemi has made landfall in China, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake after causing fatalities in Taiwan and the Philippines. The powerful storm, which struck the southeastern coast of China early this morning, brought with it torrential rains and winds exceeding 100 mph, prompting widespread evacuations and significant disruptions.

In Taiwan, the typhoon claimed five lives and injured dozens as it lashed the island with heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities reported landslides and flooding in several regions, complicating rescue operations and leaving thousands without power.

The Philippines, still reeling from its impact, reported at least eight deaths due to the storm. Many coastal communities were severely affected, with homes and infrastructure damaged or destroyed. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has been working tirelessly to provide aid and restore essential services.

As Typhoon Gaemi moves inland, Chinese authorities are on high alert. Emergency services are mobilized, and residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to seek shelter. The storm's path threatens major urban centers, raising concerns about further casualties and economic losses.

With the storm still active, officials in all affected regions continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing safety and recovery efforts.The oil slick is several kilometres long.

The tanker was one of two ships to sink as the storm whipped up seas in the region. 

Taiwan's fire department said a Tanzania-flagged freighter with nine Myanmar nationals on board had also sunk off the coast of the southern port city of Kaohsiung.

The agency said it received a report early on Thursday that a cargo ship had sunk off the island's south-western coast, forcing its crew members to abandon ship in life jackets.

Other ships were grounded on the coast of Taiwan, which received 1,200mm of rain on Thursday.