Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Gaemi, previously known as Typhoon Carina in the Philippine Area of Responsibility, has caused flash floods in northeast China, near the North Korean border, along with railway disruptions and landslides in other regions, state media reported on Sunday.
Flooding and Evacuations
The continuous downpour led to severe flooding in Jilin province, where Linjiang city’s deputy mayor and another official went missing during rescue operations. More than 27,000 people have been evacuated, and hundreds of factories have halted operations in the region.
Storm’s Impact
Although Gaemi’s cyclonic winds had mostly dissipated by Sunday, many areas in China remained on high alert for potential flooding due to the lingering rain clouds. The storm, the most powerful to hit China this year, initially struck coastal towns in Fujian province with heavy rains and strong winds before moving inland.
Warnings and Precautions
Jilin province, bordering North Korea, issued heightened warnings for heavy rains and flash floods on Sunday. Linjiang authorities preemptively closed schools, factories, and businesses, cautioning that “major flood disasters may occur.”
Additional Incidents
In southern China, a landslide near Hengyang city in Hunan province on Sunday morning trapped 18 people, resulting in six fatalities and six injuries, with rescue efforts ongoing for the remaining missing individuals. Rail services were also suspended in Guangdong province and Hainan island, while some passenger rail lines resumed in Fujian and Jiangxi as the storm progressed northward.
Affected Areas
Gaemi has significantly impacted almost 630,000 people in Fujian province, with nearly half of them being relocated, according to state news agency Xinhua. The storm had previously caused substantial damage as it passed through Taiwan and exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines, affecting millions and causing numerous casualties.