Taipei suspends work, classes for Typhoon Bavi, citing preparedness needs

Taipei suspended work and classes on July 10 as Typhoon Bavi approached, a decision Mayor Chiang Wan-an framed as a crucial "disaster preparedness day." Despite the typhoon's arrival, daytime winds and rain were not as severe as anticipated, leading some to question the necessity of the full-day suspension, especially in an election year where Chiang is seeking re-election.

Chiang, however, stressed the seriousness of the situation, describing Bavi as the largest typhoon to approach Taiwan in 25 years. He highlighted the risks posed by continuous heavy rainfall, which had saturated the soil and increased the potential for landslides and other disasters, particularly in hilly areas. The city government's "prepare for the worst, deal with the enemy strictly" approach was intended to mitigate potential damage and facilitate post-disaster recovery.

Responding to accusations that the typhoon day was a political maneuver for his re-election campaign, Chiang reiterated that the decision was based on meteorological assessments and potential risks. He compared the potential impact to that of Typhoons Soudelor in 2015 and Aere in 2004, which caused significant damage to Taipei. He also called for a shift in disaster preparedness thinking, moving beyond simple meteorological data to a more robust risk management framework.

The mayor also addressed the timing of Taipei's announcement compared to other northern counties, stating that the four cities coordinate their decisions. He urged citizens to use the day for essential preparations, such as securing outdoor items and pre-positioning sandbags, as stronger winds and rain were forecast for the evening and the following day. The emphasis remained on prioritizing citizen safety and building urban resilience.