The Philippines faces severe flooding and widespread destruction as Typhoon Gaemi, locally known as Carina, exacerbates monsoon rains across the country. The typhoon, which did not make landfall but brought torrential downpours, has submerged much of the Philippine capital and surrounding areas, displacing over 600,000 individuals and resulting in at least 13 fatalities.
In Metro Manila, floodwaters have reached dangerous levels, with some areas experiencing floods as high as one-story buildings. Residents are seen wading through chest-deep water, while others cling to power lines for safety. The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting rescue operations following the capsizing of an oil tanker off Bataan’s coast, with 16 crew members rescued and one still missing.
The southwest monsoon, intensified by Typhoon Gaemi, continues to affect various regions, with Taiwan also experiencing severe impacts. In Taiwan, the storm has resulted in two deaths, nearly 300 injuries, and a sunken cargo ship.
In response to the disaster, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for urgent assessments and increased deployment of medical staff to evacuation centers. The Philippine Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for donations to support affected families.
Experts warn that the increasing intensity of storms, driven by the climate crisis, is overwhelming the country’s disaster response capabilities. Campaigners urge for enhanced climate action to address the escalating impacts of extreme weather.
