Thousands evacuated as Taiwan shuts down for Typhoon Bavi

Taiwan initiated the evacuation of more than 14,000 residents from primarily mountainous regions as the island prepared for the approach of Typhoon Bavi. Although the medium-strength storm is not forecast to make direct landfall, authorities are implementing extensive precautions to prevent any loss of life due to anticipated heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The government is taking a cautious approach, with forecasts predicting nearly a meter of rain in some areas. Most of the evacuated individuals were from the northern and eastern parts of the island. In preparation, 917 international and all 274 domestic flights were canceled. Additionally, nearly all cities and counties declared a typhoon holiday for Saturday, closing offices and schools.

The main north-south high-speed rail line remains operational but with reduced service. In the capital, Taipei, residents experienced blustery winds and rain, though some, like 68-year-old Yeh Mao-hsiung, remained unfazed. "It's ok, it's not that serious," he commented while walking his dog. "It's just a little bit more wind."

Typhoon Bavi previously crossed Japan's Sakishima Islands and is expected to reach the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou, home to 10 million people, by early Sunday. The precautionary measures in Taiwan underscore the potential impact of severe weather systems, even those that do not make direct landfall.

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It's ok, it's not that serious. It's just a little bit more wind.