Typhoon Gaemi has brought severe weather to the northern Philippines, causing widespread flooding in the capital city of Manila and triggering landslides in surrounding mountainous areas. The intense rainfall, driven by the typhoon, has transformed streets into rivers and led to significant disruption across the region.

In Manila, rescue teams worked tirelessly on Wednesday to evacuate residents from low-lying areas. The heavy downpours caused water levels to rise to thigh-deep in some parts, forcing people to use small boats or shopping trolleys to navigate the flooded streets. Many residents tried to shield themselves from the rain with flimsy umbrellas.

The typhoon's impact led to the closure of government offices and suspension of classes, while over 70 flights were cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions. Peachy de Leon, a disaster response official, reported, “We have rescuers deployed throughout the city to assist those in need. There are numerous requests for help.”

The state weather agency indicated that Typhoon Gaemi has intensified the southwest monsoon rains typical for this time of year. Senior weather specialist Glaiza Escullar explained, “The peak of the rainy season usually occurs in July and August, and this typhoon is enhancing the southwest monsoon.”

Over the past 24 hours, Manila received more than 200mm (8 inches) of rain, which is within the usual range for this period. Unfortunately, the severe weather also led to landslides in Batangas province, south of Manila, resulting in the deaths of a pregnant woman and three children. In Benguet province, three major roads were blocked by landslides.

The death toll from the ongoing heavy rains has risen to at least 12 since Tuesday, with tens of thousands of people seeking refuge in evacuation centers.

As Typhoon Gaemi moves towards Taiwan, authorities have taken precautionary measures, including school closures, stock market suspension, and a declared typhoon holiday. The storm is expected to hit northeastern Taiwan by 10 pm local time (14:00 GMT). President William Lai Ching-te has urged residents to prioritize their safety amid the storm's approach.

In Taiwan, more than 2,100 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, particularly in Hualien, known for its landslide risk. Train and ferry services have been suspended, and over 250 international flights have been cancelled.

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