Typhoon Gaemi causes school closures and flight cancellations in Taiwan

Typhoon Gaemi is approaching Taiwan with heavy rainfall and strong winds, prompting island authorities to announce the closure of schools and the cancellation of planned military exercises. With maximum wind speeds of 138 miles per hour, Gaemi was classified as a Category 4 hurricane by the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center on Wednesday morning. This categorization corresponds to the five-level scale for tropical cyclones in the Atlantic. According to Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, the typhoon is expected to make landfall on the island's northeast coast in a weakened form on Wednesday evening. After crossing Taiwan, Gaemi is expected to continue moving northwest towards the southeastern coast of China until Friday. Meteorologists warn that the storm may intensify as it approaches the 23-million-inhabitant island. Notably, the typhoon follows a "looping track," which could cause it to linger in one area, resulting in more significant rainfall and damage. The last typhoon of this magnitude to hit Taiwan was in 2008. The impending weather conditions have led to school and business closures as well as the cancellation of over 500 flights, according to Taiwanese officials on Wednesday morning. More than 18,000 households are without power due to the storm. In the capital, Taipei, fewer cars than usual were on the roads, while lines formed outside some supermarkets as residents stockpiled food and drinking water. Taiwan suspended several planned military exercises on Tuesday as the typhoon's severe weather made their execution impossible. The involved military personnel will instead be used for emergency preparations and disaster relief, according to the Ministry of Defense. Gaemi, known locally as Carina, is also bringing heavy rains to the Philippines. The national meteorological agency warned of "strong winds" in parts of the country. Government offices in the capital, Manila, were closed due to some areas being knee-deep in water.