Hundreds Flee Homes in Taiwan as Major Typhoon Bavi Approaches

Hundreds of residents in Taiwan have been evacuated from their homes as Typhoon Bavi, described as the largest in decades, barrels toward the region. Many schools and offices closed on July 10 in anticipation of the storm's impact.

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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.

Typhoon Bavi is projected to strike Taiwan's northern and eastern areas, as well as Japan's southwestern islands, on July 10 and 11 before moving toward China, which has recently experienced severe weather. Locals in Keelung, a port city expected to be heavily affected, prepared by stocking up on food, securing windows, and reinforcing businesses with sandbags.

Authorities have issued warnings, with forecasters predicting strong winds and heavy rainfall, potentially up to a meter, raising concerns about flooding and landslides. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that Bavi's maximum sustained winds were 162 km/h with gusts up to 198 km/h on July 10. The typhoon's extensive wind radius of 380 km makes it the largest to hit Taiwan in over 30 years.

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The typhoon is likely to continue weakening because environmental conditions are not favourable.

President Lai Ching-te urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert. Despite a slight weakening, he cautioned that the typhoon's broad wind field could still bring significant winds and rain. Over a thousand people have been evacuated, primarily from the mountainous county of Hualien, where authorities are closely monitoring two barrier dams. After impacting Taiwan, Bavi is expected to make landfall in eastern China over the weekend.

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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 strong winds and heavy rain to various areas.