TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Gaemi exited Taiwan at approximately 4:20 a.m. Thursday (July 25) near Xinwu District (新屋區), Taoyuan. While the storm's intensity is expected to weaken, officials caution that its outer periphery could still bring heavy rain, particularly to the southern regions.
Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in Nan'ao Township (南澳鄉), Yilan, at midnight on Thursday. The storm moved rapidly, exiting near Taoyuan within four hours. The core circulation of Typhoon Gaemi was disrupted by the central mountains, resulting in less severe weather conditions in northern Taiwan than initially anticipated on Thursday.
Combined with a southwest airflow, the typhoon’s circulation has led to heavy rain in southern Taiwan. Torrential rain is expected to continue until late Thursday, with the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) predicting accumulated rainfall of 1,500 to 1,800 millimeters in mountainous areas and 600 to 900 millimeters in low-lying areas.
Typhoon Gaemi caused significant damage in eastern Taiwan the previous day. The Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市), a popular tourist spot in Hualien, was left in disarray, with many vendors' equipment scattered by strong winds. Numerous street trees also toppled over in Hualien, blocking roads and affecting residents' mobility.
As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the Central Emergency Operation Center (中央災害應變中心) reported that the typhoon had resulted in 2 deaths and 279 injuries. Most damage involved fallen trees, and many southern regions experienced flooding. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors due to persistent strong gusts.