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Taiwan Evacuates Hundreds as Major Typhoon Approaches
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Disasters & Emergencies

Taiwan Evacuates Hundreds as Major Typhoon Approaches

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Hundreds of people in Taiwan have been evacuated and many businesses closed as Typhoon Bavi, the region's most powerful storm in decades, approaches.
  • The typhoon is expected to bring strong winds and up to a meter of rain, raising concerns about flooding and landslides, particularly in northern and eastern Taiwan.
  • While Bavi has weakened slightly, its large wind field poses a significant threat, prompting President Lai Ching-te to urge residents to remain on high alert.

Taiwan is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Bavi, the most significant storm to threaten the island in over three decades. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from their homes, and numerous schools and offices have suspended operations as the typhoon barrels toward the region.

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.

— Samuel FuA local resident in Bali, near Taipei, expressing concern about the approaching typhoon.

Authorities are issuing urgent warnings, with locals in vulnerable areas like the port city of Keelung stocking up on essentials, securing windows, and deploying sandbags. Samuel Fu, a shop worker in Bali near Taipei, expressed anxiety, noting the unprecedented scale of the storm. "This is the first time we've experienced such a big typhoon... since we opened the shop," he told AFP, fearing damage to his business from high winds.

Forecasters predict Bavi will bring intense rainfall, potentially up to a meter in mountainous areas, increasing the risk of severe flooding and landslides. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) stated that while the typhoon has weakened from its super typhoon status, its extensive 380-kilometer wind radius remains a major concern. The greatest impact is anticipated in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan.

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

— Wang Ping-hsiangCWA forecaster explaining the typhoon's projected path and intensity.

President Lai Ching-te has urged citizens in affected areas to maintain a "high alert." "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," Lai posted on Facebook. After passing Taiwan, Bavi is forecast to make landfall in eastern China, which has already experienced deadly storms this week.

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.

— Lai Ching-teTaiwanese President urging residents to remain on high alert.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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