Typhoon Bawee leaves 104 households in Taiwan without power; restoration efforts underway

Typhoon Bawee swept across Taiwan, leaving a trail of disruption that included extensive power outages affecting more than 250,000 households nationwide. While most of the island has seen electricity restored, Hsinchu County emerged as the last area struggling with lingering blackouts.

As of the morning of the 14th, 104 households in Hsinchu County, specifically within the indigenous townships of Jianshi and Wufeng, were still without power. These mountainous regions presented significant challenges for repair crews, with road blockages and difficult terrain hindering access.

Taipower, Taiwan's state-run power company, is deploying additional resources to expedite the restoration efforts. Adhering to a principle of "repairing wherever the road is open," the company has dispatched five extra work crews. They are coordinating with road management authorities to clear pathways and ensure the safety of their personnel while working to restore electricity.

Taipower reported that by late evening on the 13th, Hsinchu County and City had experienced a cumulative total of 14,437 power outages, with 13,700 of those in Hsinchu County alone. Despite a 99% restoration rate, the remaining 104 households are in remote, difficult-to-access locations. The company also noted that some reported outages might be in unoccupied structures or isolated residences at the end of power lines, which can slow down restoration. Residents in these areas are encouraged to report their specific addresses to Taipower's customer service for prompt assistance.