Taipei typhoon closure sparks debate over scientific decision-making

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's declaration of a "typhoon preparedness day" on August 10, leading to a city-wide closure despite minimal wind, has ignited public debate. Zhao Xiaohui, founder of "Chuo Chien Culture and Creation" and a workplace writing instructor, criticized the decision, arguing that such calls for closure should be based on scientific data rather than political considerations.

Zhao pointed out that decisions impacting economic output, worker safety, and industry are often simplified into metrics of a leader's popularity or re-election prospects. She advocates for a system where an "expert team of meteorologists and disaster prevention specialists" holds veto power. If wind speeds do not meet the legal standard of "average force 7, gusting 10," the experts should reject the closure, preventing leaders from making politically motivated "gifts" to the public.

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Every time I see 'scientific decisions' concerning hundreds of billions in economic output, labor safety, and the lifeline of industries, being simplified into 'whether the leader is handsome, whether the polls are high, whether re-election is stable,' I truly feel powerless.

The closure, coinciding with a strong performance in global stock markets, caused the Taiwan Stock Exchange to halt trading. Investors and brokers lost a trading day, and international capital reacted with surprise due to the unexpected risk. Even the AI industry, which operates on tight schedules, was taken aback.

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We must shift the focus away from 'political stars' and return to the systematic scientific optimization, establishing an 'expert team of meteorologists and disaster prevention specialists with veto power.'

Zhao also highlighted the absurdity of uniform closures across entire metropolitan areas, especially in an era of extreme weather. She noted that while one district might face torrential rain and strong winds, another could be sunny. She proposed using big data and mobile phone alerts for more precise, localized closures, potentially by administrative or micro-climate zones, rather than entire cities.

Furthermore, Zhao suggested that if closures are truly for "preparedness," they should include measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). City governments should mobilize resources, with officials, community leaders, and volunteers actively checking on vulnerable residents, clearing drainage, and reporting on preparedness efforts. She also proposed that during declared "stay-at-home" days for safety, non-essential businesses like cinemas and department stores should be mandated to close, ensuring that workers in these sectors are not put at risk while others enjoy leisure time.

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If the data does not meet the legal standard of 'average wind force 7, gusting 10,' the expert team should directly veto it, and the leader cannot forcibly 'give gifts' for their own political considerations.