Hundreds evacuate in Taiwan ahead of biggest typhoon in decades

Taiwan braced for Typhoon Bavi, the most powerful storm to threaten the island in decades, prompting widespread evacuations and closures. Hundreds of residents in coastal and low-lying areas, particularly in the northern and eastern regions like Keelung and Hualien, were moved to safety. Many businesses and schools shut down as authorities urged extreme caution.

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We’re worried. This is the first time we’ve experienced such a big typhoon… since we opened the shop. The signboard and the awning at the front could be blown off. If the winds get stronger, we’ll bring everything inside.

Locals in Keelung, anticipating the storm's impact, rushed to stock up on essentials, secure their shops with sandbags, and tape windows. "We're worried," said Samuel Fu, a noodle shop worker in Bali, fearing damage to his business's awning and signboard. "This is the first time we've experienced such a big typhoon... since we opened the shop."

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The typhoon is likely to continue weakening because environmental conditions are not favourable. The greatest impact is expected in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung and Yilan, while the heaviest rainfall is forecast for mountainous areas in central and northern Taiwan.

Typhoon Bavi, which had previously intensified into a super typhoon over Guam, was forecast to bring up to a meter of rain, increasing the risk of landslides and flooding. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te emphasized the need for vigilance, even as the storm showed signs of weakening. The Central Weather Administration noted Bavi's extensive wind field, with a radius of 380 kilometers, would make it the largest typhoon to impact Taiwan in over 30 years.

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Although the typhoon has weakened slightly and is now classified as a moderate typhoon, its extensive wind field may still bring st