86 Residents Preemptively Evacuated from Indigenous Community in New Taipei City Ahead of Typhoon Baryaj

In anticipation of Typhoon Baryaj's approach, 86 residents from 49 households in the Kuaile Mountain indigenous community in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, were preemptively evacuated on July 10th. The evacuation, originally scheduled for the afternoon, was expedited to 10:30 AM as the storm intensified its approach to northern Taiwan.

Ruifang District Chief Yang Sheng-min, along with Ruifang Haibin Village Chief Deng Lihua and police officers, personally visited the community to persuade residents to relocate. Those with mobility issues were assisted by district officials and police in leaving their homes. A total of 39 residents were moved to the Haibin Civic Activity Center for temporary shelter, while the remaining 47 sought refuge with relatives and friends.

New Taipei City experienced average wind speeds and gusts reaching levels that would typically warrant a suspension of work and classes by evening. Mountain areas recorded rainfall nearing the threshold for such suspensions. Yang emphasized the powerful nature of Typhoon Baryaj, urging residents not to underestimate its threat and to prepare for potential disasters. He stressed the importance of completing preemptive evacuations before the storm's peak impact in the evening.

The Kuaile Mountain community is home to indigenous people from eastern Taiwan. The preemptive evacuation aims to ensure their safety until Typhoon Baryaj moves away from Taiwan, after which residents will be permitted to return to their homes. The district office's proactive approach, involving door-to-door communication and assistance, highlights the local government's commitment to disaster preparedness and the well-being of its residents.

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We cannot take this Typhoon Baryaj lightly; we must be prepared for disaster.