Typhoon Gaemi Lashes East Asia: From Philippines to China
Typhoon Gaemi, known as Bagyong Carina in the Philippines, formed over the western Pacific on July 19, 2024, and lashed the Philippines, Taiwan, and eastern China during its seven-day lifecycle. The cyclone reached peak intensity east of Taiwan on July 24 with a minimum central pressure of 935 hPa and maximum sustained winds of 166 km/h under international best-track data. JTWC classified Gaemi as a Category 4-equivalent typhoon based on its one-minute sustained wind estimate of 230 km/h during peak strength. The storm brought widespread flooding, destructive winds, landslides, and major disruptions across multiple East Asian coastal regions before dissipating over inland China on July 28.
Genesis East of the Philippines: Gaemi’s Slow Rise to Typhoon Strength
Typhoon Gaemi developed from a tropical disturbance east of the Philippines on July 19, 2024, near 11.6°N, 133.2°E. The system initially formed as a tropical depression and gradually organized over the western Pacific under favorable oceanic conditions. As the circulation strengthened, regional meteorological agencies began monitoring the system as it moved northwestward toward the Philippine Sea.
The Philippines identified the cyclone as Bagyong Carina through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) naming system. Although Gaemi did not make landfall in the Philippines, its broad circulation enhanced the southwest monsoon, producing prolonged rainfall across Luzon and other northern areas.
By July 20, Gaemi intensified into a tropical storm with winds of about 74 km/h and continued strengthening while moving northwestward. On July 22, the cyclone reached typhoon intensity as its maximum sustained winds increased to approximately 120 km/h. The system maintained a northwestern track while approaching the waters east of Taiwan.
The interaction between Gaemi and the southwest monsoon produced severe rainfall across the Philippines. Moisture drawn into the monsoon flow caused flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. Rising floodwaters disrupted transportation networks, while emergency agencies carried out evacuations in affected communities.
Philippine authorities reported that hundreds of thousands of residents were affected by flooding and monsoon-enhanced rainfall. The combination of Bagyong Carina and seasonal monsoon conditions caused deadly floods and landslides even though the typhoon center remained offshore.
Category 4 Fury: Gaemi’s Peak Intensity and Taiwan Landfall
Gaemi reached its strongest phase on July 24, 2024, east of Taiwan near 23.9°N, 122.9°E. According to international best-track records, the storm reached a minimum central pressure of 935 hPa with maximum sustained winds of 166 km/h. Different agencies applied different wind averaging methods: the Japan Meteorological Agency used a 10-minute sustained wind measurement system, while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center used a 1-minute sustained wind estimate that placed Gaemi at Category 4-equivalent intensity.
The cyclone rapidly intensified while approaching Taiwan, developing a well-defined circulation and increasing wind field. Its movement near the island’s eastern waters produced a prolonged period of severe weather before landfall. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued typhoon warnings, while authorities suspended schools, government operations, and transportation services in many areas.
Gaemi made landfall near Nan’ao in northeastern Taiwan early on July 25. The storm brought destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and dangerous mountain runoff. Taiwan’s complex terrain amplified rainfall effects, with mountainous regions receiving intense precipitation that increased the threat of landslides and flooding.
The typhoon caused casualties, power interruptions, agricultural losses, and transportation disruptions across Taiwan. Emergency response teams conducted rescue operations as communities recovered from strong winds and heavy rainfall. Maritime activities were also affected as authorities restricted operations around the island during the storm’s passage.
Gaemi’s impact on Taiwan demonstrated the hazards created when a strong tropical cyclone interacts with mountainous coastal environments. The combination of a powerful circulation, abundant tropical moisture, and steep terrain generated severe rainfall hazards across the island.
Second Landfall: Gaemi Inundates Fujian Province as a Tropical Storm
After crossing Taiwan, Gaemi entered the Taiwan Strait while gradually weakening. Despite losing its peak intensity, the storm retained a large circulation capable of transporting significant tropical moisture toward mainland China.
Gaemi made its second landfall in mainland China on July 25 as a weakening tropical storm, affecting Fujian Province and nearby coastal regions. Chinese authorities implemented emergency preparations, including evacuations in vulnerable low-lying areas and measures to reduce flood risks.
The storm brought heavy rainfall to eastern China as it moved inland. Areas already affected by previous rainfall events faced additional water pressure, increasing risks from flooding, river rises, and landslides. Local emergency agencies monitored affected communities and carried out disaster response measures.
As Gaemi continued moving westward and inland, its wind strength decreased steadily. The cyclone weakened into a tropical depression by July 27 while crossing central China. On July 28, Gaemi dissipated near 30.2°N, 108.7°E after completing its transition from a powerful western Pacific typhoon to a decaying inland weather system.
The storm’s movement across Taiwan and China highlighted the changing hazards of tropical cyclones after landfall. Although wind speeds decrease rapidly after interaction with land, heavy rainfall can continue to produce serious flooding threats far from the coastline.
Widespread Devastation: Gaemi’s Deadly Trail Across Three Countries
Typhoon Gaemi produced a major regional disaster through both direct and indirect impacts across three countries. The Philippines experienced severe monsoon-enhanced flooding, Taiwan endured a direct strike from a powerful typhoon, and China faced heavy rainfall and flooding after the storm crossed the Taiwan Strait.
In the Philippines, Bagyong Carina’s interaction with the southwest monsoon created widespread flooding across northern and central areas. Metro Manila experienced serious flooding that disrupted daily activities, while rescue teams responded to residents trapped by rising water. Landslides and flood-related incidents resulted in fatalities and displacement.
Taiwan experienced the strongest direct impacts from Gaemi’s peak phase. The storm’s Category 4-equivalent intensity under JTWC’s wind classification reflected the strength of the cyclone over the western Pacific before landfall. Strong winds, extreme rainfall, and mountainous terrain combined to create dangerous conditions across the island.
China faced the final stage of Gaemi’s lifecycle as the weakened cyclone moved inland. Heavy rainfall affected Fujian and other regions along its path, while authorities continued monitoring flood conditions and responding to weather-related damage.
Gaemi’s lifecycle demonstrates the regional reach of western Pacific tropical cyclones through wind, rainfall, and atmospheric interactions. The storm formed on July 19, reached peak intensity near Taiwan on July 24, made landfall in Taiwan and China, and dissipated over inland China on July 28, leaving a significant impact record across East Asia.