Typhoons are no strangers to Taiwan, but the island's Northeast Coast is currently battening down the hatches as Typhoon Gami, with winds reaching up to 240 kilometers an hour, bears down upon it. The scene in Taipei just hours ago painted a vivid picture of the impending storm, described as a colossal and destructive force equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. Flights have been canceled, financial markets are closed, and the workforce has been granted a day off. Let's dive into the latest updates with our climate reporter Sally Jansen.
Typhoon Gami's relentless fury has left a path of destruction, not just in China but across Taiwan and the Philippines as well. Amidst the chaos, an oil tanker sank off Manila, causing a significant oil spill that stretches for several kilometers. This disaster raises critical questions about environmental safety and the urgent need for accountability in the face of climate change.
In the aftermath of relentless rains and catastrophic floods that swept through the capital city of Manila, thousands of Filipinos are left grappling with the ruins of their lives. Gratitude for survival is overshadowed by the daunting task of rebuilding—a challenge that seems insurmountable for many.
Typhoons are nature's reminders of the planet's raw power, and Taiwan recently felt the brute force of Typhoon Gami. The island's streets lay eerily silent on Thursday, a testament to the tempest that had swept through, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.