Typhoon Gaemi, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Carina, was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone which impacted East China, Taiwan, and the Philippines in late July 2024. Gaemi, which means ant in Korean, the third named storm and second typhoon of the annual typhoon season, formed as a tropical depression east of Palau on July 19. Owing to favorable environmental conditions, the typhoon intensified and reached its peak with ten-minute maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph), and a central atmospheric pressure of 935 hPa (27.61 inHg). With one-minute sustained winds at 230 km/h (145 mph), Gaemi was classified as a Category 4-equivalent typhoon. The storm then turned north-northwestward, along the western periphery of a subtropical ridge. After stalling and executing a tight counter-clockwise loop near the coast, Gaemi slightly weakened due to land interaction before making landfall on the northeastern coast of Taiwan on July 24. It emerged over the Taiwan Strait just six hours after landfall. Gaemi made landfall in China as a minimal tropical storm in the Xiuyu District of Putian in Fujian Province. Once inland, the system weakened to a tropical depression by July 26 and continued tracking the system until it dissipated on July 29.
Together with the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Prapiroon, heavy rains were reported over southern and northern Luzon, triggering widespread flash floods in various areas of the region. The monsoon enhanced by Gaemi's impact on Luzon led to comparisons to 2009's Typhoon Ketsana. The oil tanker MT Terra Nova, carrying around 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel, capsized and sank in 34 m (112 ft) depth of water in Manila Bay off the coast of Limay, Bataan. In Japan, the island of Yonaguni recorded wind speeds of up to 180 km/h (110 mph). In Indonesia, large waves of up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in height affected the Molucca Sea, North Natuna Sea, Natuna Sea, and the areas between the Sitaro Islands and Bitung, and between the Sangihe Islands and Talaud Islands. A maximum rainfall accumulation of 512.8 mm (20.19 in) was observed in Luoyuan County in Fujian Province. The remnants of Gaemi also hit North Korea, where up to 4,000 may have died. North Korean state media did not provide figures on casualties. In total, the typhoon killed at least 107 people, injured 924 others, left 42 missing, and caused US$1.66 billion in damages.
Meteorological history
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
The origins of Typhoon Gaemi can be traced back to July 17, when the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that a low-pressure area had formed east of Palau.[1] Environment was generally favourable for tropical cyclogenesis, with warm sea surface temperatures of 27–28 °C (81–82 °F), low vertical wind shear and excellent poleward and equatorward outflow. Satellite imagery indicated that formative convective banding had begun to wrap into the centre of circulation.[2] After slowly consolidating for two days, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a tropical cyclone formation alert for the system on July 19, due to its rapidly consolidating broad low-level circulation center.[3] Shortly after, both the JMA and the JTWC followed suit and upgraded the tropical depression, with the latter designating the system as 05W.[4][5] The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration followed suit a few hours later, upgrading the system from a low-pressure area to a depression and assigning it the nameCarina.[6] Early the following day, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and was named Gaemi by the JMA.[7]
Satellite loop of Typhoon Gaemi making landfall in the northeastern coast of Taiwan on July 24
Gaemi's deep convection later began to consolidate into a small central dense overcast, with cloud tops reaching temperatures of −90 °C (−130 °F).[8] It then intensified into a severe tropical storm due to being in a conducive environment for development on July 21.[9] The storm displayed convective banding features around its western periphery, wrapping into a low-level center of circulation.[10] Around 00:00 UTC on July 22, the JMA then reported that Gaemi had intensified into a typhoon due to good upper-level outflow, warm sea surface temperatures, and high ocean heat content.[11] Gaemi then turned north-northwestward, along the western periphery of a subtropical ridge.[12] As it remained quasi-stationary six hours later, due to a weak steering environment between the subtropical ridge to the northwest and east, the JTWC upgraded Gaemi to minimal typhoon-equivalent status around 21:00 UTC that day.[13]
After undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle and developing a pinhole eye, Gaemi rapidly intensified and peaked at Category 4-equivalent intensity on the Saffir-Simpson scale at 21:00 UTC on July 23, with 1-minute sustained winds of 230 km/h (145 mph).[14] The JMA reported that Gaemi reached its peak intensity at 06:00 UTC on July 24, with 10-minute sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph) and a central pressure of 935 hPa (27.61 inHg).[15][16] A study by World Weather Attribution in August 2024 suggests that Gaemi's extreme winds and heavy precipitation were exacerbated by climate change.[17] After stalling and executing a tight counter-clockwise loop near the coast,[18] Gaemi slightly weakened into a below-equivalent typhoon status due to land interaction before it made landfall on the northeastern coast of Taiwan on July 24.[19] Gaemi accelerated as it moved across the island and emerged into the Taiwan Strait just six hours after making landfall.[20] The system quickly weakened to a minimal tropical storm as it made its closest approach offshore of eastern China.[21] Soon after,[22] the JTWC ceased issuing advisories on the system as it made its final landfall at Xiuyu, Putian in Fujian Province.[23] Once inland, the JMA downgraded Gaemi into a tropical depression on July 26 and continued tracking the system until it dissipated at 00:00 UTC on July 29.[15][24]
As Gaemi developed in the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the PAGASA began issuing weather advisories on the system, as it interacted with the southwest Tropical Storm Prapiroon over the South China Sea.[25] Initial forecasts issued by the agency projected that Gaemi would not make landfall on the Philippines, however, moisture from the southwest monsoon would be drawn into the storm and bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the archipelago.[26] Therefore, on July 22, the PAGASA issued a Signal No. 1 wind warning in parts of the Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela. The PAGASA expected winds of up to 61 km/h (69 mph) in these provinces.[27] On the morning of July 23, PAGASA raised to Signal No. 2 warning in Batanes as Gaemi's outer rainbands began to affect the province.[28] Classes in all levels and several local government units were suspended in some areas of Luzon including Metro Manila on July 23 due to the storm.[29][30] Several commercial flights were cancelled at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as well as flights in Basco, Cagayan, and Tuguegarao. Ship travel was suspended in Itbayat.[31] The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in La Union raised a red alert on July 21, requiring all personnel to be readied for deployment. Emergency staff were deployed to operations centers where stockpiles of supplies and vehicles were prepared. Government offices in the province closed on the afternoon of July 23, with only emergency staff remaining. Immuki Island was isolated as a result of suspended sailing. Beaches in San Juan were closed to visitors, as well as Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel.[32]
On July 21, the government of Iloilo City began a preemptive evacuation. Documentation began to prepare funding of ₱10,000 (US$171) to occupants of destroyed dwellings and ₱7,000 (US$120) to those of partially destroyed dwellings.[33] In the Cordillera Administrative Region, ₱73.6 million (US$1.2 million) worth of family food packages, totaling 25,357, were propositioned at multiple warehouses. In addition, approximately ₱52.7 million (US$899,000) worth of non-food supplies were gathered at these warehouses.[34] The PDRRMO office in Pangasinan issued a red emergency alert, allocating 64,564 packages of supplies, as well as a standby fund of ₱86.75 million (US$1.48 million).[35] The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepared their stock fund of ₱2.5 billion (US$42.8 million) for assistance during the typhoon. A total of 129,735 family food packages were positioned at warehouses and resource centers in Pasay, 93,516 packages were positioned in Mandaue, and 442,125 packages were made available at DSWD Offices No. 3, 5, and 6. The Philippine Air Force readied three Tactical Operations Group for response to the typhoon, including water rescue crews and helicopters for search and rescue and to serve as air ambulances. Rapid response teams trained for recovery efforts and damage assessments were also readied in Clark, Davao City, Laoag, Mactan, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.[36]
Taiwan
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te conferencing on preparations for the typhoon at the Central Disaster Response Center.
The Central Weather Administration issued numerous typhoon and torrential rain warnings in anticipation of Gaemi. Ferry services were suspended,[37] and the annual Han Kuang military exercises were cancelled. Domestic flights from the airlines Mandarin Airlines and Daily Air were also cancelled, alongside 201 international flights.[38][39] Cancelled sea and air travel stranded around 10,000 visitors in Penghu.[40] The Taiwan Stock Exchange ceased operations in preparation for the typhoon. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a major computer chip manufacturer for brands such as Apple Inc. and Nvidia planned to continue normal operations amidst the storm, however, an emergency response team was placed on standby.[41] The government of Taiwan placed 29,000 military personnel on standby for recovery efforts. Over 2,000 residents of mountainous areas on the island were evacuated.[39] Evacuations also took place in Heping District, Taichung; 385 residents were evacuated from nine flood-prone districts of Tainan.[40] Overall, a total of 8,569 people had evacuated to shelters prior to the typhoon's impact.[42]
Combined with moisture from the southwest monsoon, the influence of Gaemi produced heavy rainfall across parts of the Philippines. Heavy rainfall occurred in Albay, Aklan, Antique, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, Capiz, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal, and Zambales. Residents of Romblon also received flood warnings and a yellow warning for heavy rainfall. Two thoroughfares in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Cordillera Administrative Region, respectively, were blocked due to rockfalls, with access only possible to small vehicles.[56] The Angat Dam saw water level increases of up to 3.8 m (12 ft) amidst rainfall from Gaemi.[57] Downstream, the reservoir of La Mesa Dam in Quezon City also rose up causing water to overflow.[58] On July 24, the third and highest alarm was raised on the Marikina River after it rose to 18.4 m (60 ft) before peaking at 20.7 m (68 ft), prompting evacuations.[59] Strong water currents along the river also caused several barges to collide into the F. Manalo Bridge in Pasig.[60] In Taguig, floodwaters reached waist-level.[61] Houses in coastal villages of Orani, Bataan were inundated by floodwaters. Homes were also inundated by floodwaters in Samal, where rice and other crops received partial losses due to the flooding. Soil erosion occurred in Baguio, damaging a riprap. Strong winds impacted Olongapo, toppling electrical poles.[31] A downed tree also blocked traffic in Quezon City.[62] Several sections of the North Luzon Expressway were rendered impassable due to the torrential rain brought by the two weather conditions.[63] Highways connecting Nueva Vizcaya with Benguet and Pangasinan were blocked by landslides,[64] with 34 houses in Kayapa also damaged.[65] Severe weather conditions forced vessels to remain in ports, stranding 70 people in Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region, combined. An additional 48 passengers were stranded in Pasacao, Camarines Sur.[57] A total of 224 families were affected by the storm across Bataan, Camarines Sur, Iloilo City, Masbate, and Pampanga.[62] A total of 1,215 schools were forced to postpone the start of the school year on July 29 due to damage or conversion into evacuation shelters.[66][67]A state of calamity was declared in Metro Manila and in the provinces of Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Oriental Mindoro and Pampanga[68][69][70] due to the widespread floods that occurred in various areas of the region.[71] The monsoon enhanced by Gaemi's impact on Luzon led to comparisons to 2009's Typhoon Ketsana, which was known locally as Tropical Storm Ondoy.[72][73][74] The oil tanker MT Terra Nova, carrying around 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel, capsized and sank in 34 m (112 ft) depth of water[75] in Manila Bay off the coast of Limay, Bataan, causing an oil spill with a length of four kilometers.[76]
As of August 26, 2024[update], the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 6,498,918 people were affected by Gaemi, along with the impacts of the southwest monsoon and nearby Tropical Storm Prapiroon (Butchoy), resulting in 1,141,926 individuals displaced from their homes, 108 cities experiencing power outages, and 9,790 houses damaged. At least 48 fatalities and five missing persons were reported, along with 16 injuries, while the agricultural damage reached ₱5.98 billion (US$121.47 million) and infrastructure damage was estimated at ₱4.39 billion (US$89.06 million), leading to a total damage of ₱10.37 billion (US$210.53 million).[50]
Taiwan
Rainfall totals across the island of Taiwan from Typhoon Gaemi.
Gaemi killed 10 people in Taiwan as it approached the island;[51] a woman killed by a falling tree in Kaohsiung, and another death caused by a falling excavator in Sanxia District, New Taipei.[77] Additionally, a woman was killed and her son was critically injured after a wall collapsed and struck their car in Hualien City,[78] three more died in Chiayi County,[79] an elderly man was killed by a landslide in Cishan District,[80] another was killed in a related car accident in Yunlin County,[81] and one more death occurred in Tainan.[82] While docked in southern Taiwan, the freighter Fu Shun capsized,[76] killing the ship's captain.[83] Three other vessels ran aground near Tainan.[84] Across the island, 902 people were injured, two others were missing and 262,000 were left without power.[85][40][86] Up to 1,204.5 mm (47.4 in) of rainfall was observed in the Maolin District of Kaohsiung.[87] A total of 1,232 people were displaced by the typhoon and were placed into 279 emergency camps.[88] Initial estimates indicate that Gaemi caused economic losses of US$245 million.[52]
China
Gaemi made landfall in China as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of around 120 km/h (75 mph) in the Xiuyu District of Putian in Fujian Province. There were 49 deaths confirmed in the country, 48 of them in Hunan Province, where 35 others were missing;[89] 15 people were killed, 21 were missing and six more were injured after a mudslide struck a homestay in Hengyang, Hunan. Additionally, a delivery driver was killed by a falling tree in Shanghai.[90] About 1,000 homes were damaged and 1,345 road collapses were reported in Zixing,[91] where 30 people died.[89]
Heavy rainfall occurred in more than ten provinces and cities, including the cities of Fuzhou, Shenyang, Wuzhou, and Zhengzhou.[92] A maximum rainfall accumulation of 512.8 mm (20.19 in) was observed in Luoyuan County in Fujian.[93] Precipitation was reported in over 72 townships in Fujian.[94] Across Fujian, a total of 85 hectares (210 acres) of crops were damaged.[95] Approximately 628,000 people were affected by the typhoon in Fujian, 290,000 of which were evacuated.[96]
Total economic losses in China were estimated at 8.61 billion yuan (US$1.2 billion).[53][54]
North Korea
Gaemi's remnants also hit North Korea,[91] resulting in heavy flooding in North Pyongan Province which stranded 5,000 people.[97] In the city of Sinuiju and the neighboring Uiju County, about 4,100 houses, 3,000 hectares (7,410 acres) of agricultural fields and numerous public buildings, roads and railways were flooded.[98] North Korean media covered the disasters much more prominently compared to previous disasters or incidents, with North Korea's state newspaper calling it a "grave crisis", as well as television showing footage of flooded areas.[99] North Korean state media reported that Supreme LeaderKim Jong Un traveled to flooding sites to survey damages.[100] State media stated that he "personally directed the battle" towards rescuing civilians, and declared sections of three provinces as disaster zones.[101] By September 4, 30 officials were reportedly executed after being charged with "corruption and dereliction of duty".[55][dubious – discuss]
A government meeting agreed on constructing 4,400 new houses in Sinuiju and Uiju, while also reinforcing embankments and restoring damaged infrastructure in Jagang province.[102] South Korea offered to give humanitarian aid to North Korea following the downpours, which the DPRK indicated that it would reject it.[100]Russian PresidentVladimir Putin expressed condolences to North Korea for damage caused by the flooding, and offered to provide humanitarian support.[100]
In August, TV Chosun reported that between 1,000 and 1,500 people could have been killed or left missing due to the floods. However, North Korean state media said there were casualties but did not provide figures.[103] There was no official mention of deaths from the state government.[104] On September 4, reports circulated that Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un may have ordered the execution of 30 officials in a purge. At the same time, TV Chosun reported the death toll may have been 4,000.[55] The Korean Central News Agency estimated some 5,000 people were rescued.[105]
^Warning and Summary 170600 (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. July 17, 2024. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
^Warning and Summary 190600 (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. July 19, 2024. Archived from the original on July 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
^Hilda Austria (July 23, 2024). "La Union braces for 'Carina'". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on July 27, 2024. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
^ ab"2024年7月全國自然災害狀況". Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) (China) (in Chinese). August 8, 2024. Archived from the original on November 18, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
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