Typhoon Gaemi unleashed chaos across Taiwan as it made a dramatic landfall near Nan'ao Township in Yilan County in the early hours of July 25, after taking a dramatic turn south from its predicted course.

Such is the strength of what is the most powerful typhoon to hit the country in eight years that it has triggered widespread closures of schools and offices across all 22 cities and counties.

Taiwanese authorities had previously announced preemptive closures due to Gaemi's anticipated impact, which included strong winds and torrential rains that are expected to persist throughout July 25. 

The typhoon's arrival also prompted major Taiwanese airlines to cancel numerous international flights, with China Airlines halting 28 regional flights and experiencing significant delays at major airports such as Taiwan Taoyuan International and Kaohsiung. Adding to the disruption, Taiwan Railway Corp. and Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. suspended all services until 3 p.m. July 25.

By nightfall on July 24, authorities had confirmed three fatalities and over 220 injuries. Among the casualties was Wang Chin-sheng, chief of Wuliao ward in New Taipei's Sanxia District, who lost his life in a mechanical excavator accident on a rainswept industrial road.

Throughout Taiwan, emergency services responded to numerous incidents, including a building parapet collapse in Hualien City with regional TV footage showing the bricks and debris falling several floors onto a recently parked car below containing a woman and young child. 

Multiple injuries from wind-blown debris and vehicle accidents were also reported. Local authorities across the country implemented precautionary measures, relocating 8,569 individuals to safer locations as the winds intensified. Landslide alerts were issued for 882 areas nationwide.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that Gaemi's maximum sustained winds reached up to 184 kph, with gusts peaking at 227 kph. The typhoon's erratic path initially positioned it east-northeast of Hualien County in the east of the country, before it made a sudden southward turn, then veered westward to northwest towards Yilan County, where it eventually made landfall.

As Gaemi continues its trajectory, encompassing Taiwan and neighbouring islands like Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, local authorities have said they remain vigilant against the typhoon’s potential for further disruption and damage.