Typhoon Barway Nears Taiwan; New Taipei City Deploys Pumps, Secures Trees

As Typhoon Barway, the first major typhoon potentially impacting Taiwan this year, intensifies and approaches, New Taipei City is implementing robust preparedness measures. The city government has been actively engaged in ensuring readiness for the anticipated strong winds and heavy rainfall.

New Taipei City officials attended a "Barway Typhoon Flood Control Preparedness Meeting" convened by the Executive Yuan's Minister without Portfolio. During the meeting, the city detailed its proactive steps, which include pre-positioning water pumps and emergency response equipment, as well as reinforcing roadside trees and construction scaffolding. These actions are crucial as the typhoon's outer bands are expected to bring the most significant weather impacts to the region from Friday night through Saturday.

The city's Fire Department Director, Chen Chong-yue, and other officials participated virtually, providing updates on the typhoon response. The preparedness efforts encompass a thorough review of disaster prevention materials, pruning of roadside trees, and strengthening of signs and scaffolding. Sandbags and water pumps have been prepared and tested, and heavy machinery for disaster response is on standby. Areas prone to flooding and landslides have also received heightened attention.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih urged residents to remain vigilant, emphasizing that Typhoon Barway's extensive outer circulation could bring considerable wind and rain regardless of whether the storm makes landfall. He advised against visiting coastal areas due to the risk of long waves starting Wednesday and stressed the importance of preparing emergency supplies at home and exercising caution when outdoors. Information on disaster prevention is available through the city's "My New Taipei" Facebook page, LINE account, and "New Taipei Disaster Information E-tong" app.

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Barway typhoon's outer circulation range is extremely large, and regardless of whether the typhoon center makes landfall, it may bring significant wind and rain to New Taipei.