Taipei councilor slams mayor over typhoon suspension standards

Taipei City Councilor Jian Shu-pei has sharply criticized Mayor Chiang Wan-an's administration for what she describes as inconsistent decision-making regarding work and school suspensions during typhoons. Jian specifically targeted the mayor's reliance on the Central Weather Administration's (CWA) advisories for Typhoon Haikui, contrasting it with an earlier decision during Typhoon Bavi.

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The same mayor, the same city, why two sets of standards?

"The same mayor, the same city, why two sets of standards?" Jian questioned during a press conference. She pointed out that in early July, Taipei announced a "typhoon preparedness holiday" before an official land warning was issued for Typhoon Bavi, a move seen as proactive safety measure. However, with Typhoon Haikui bringing strong winds and heavy rain, the city government cited the CWA's lack of a land warning as the reason for not suspending work and classes.

Jian accused the mayor's office of shifting responsibility to the central government agency. "Who decides whether Taipei suspends work and classes, the Taipei mayor or the Central Weather Administration?" she asked. She argued that while the "advance deployment" during Typhoon Bavi might have been for safety, the current approach during Haikui, despite increasing storm intensity, appears to be an excuse to avoid making a difficult decision.

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Who decides whether Taipei suspends work and classes, the Taipei mayor or the Central Weather Administration?

The councilor urged Mayor Chiang to establish clear and consistent criteria for typhoon-related suspensions. "Citizens want a clear, consistent standard, not a new excuse every time a problem arises," Jian stated, emphasizing the need for predictable policies that citizens can rely on during emergencies. The differing approaches have led to public confusion and accusations of political maneuvering.

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Citizens want a clear, consistent standard, not a new excuse every time a problem arises.