Typhoon Bawei Approaches Taiwan; Pingtung County Prepares Evacuations

Pingtung County in Taiwan is initiating preventative evacuations as Typhoon Bawei approaches, with authorities activating a Level 3 disaster response center on July 9. The county government plans to evacuate residents from mountainous areas and the Hengchun Peninsula, identified as high-risk zones, starting at 8 a.m. on July 10.

County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi visited coastal areas to inspect the operational status of pumping stations. She emphasized the importance of preparedness, noting that the Central Weather Administration forecasts the typhoon will issue sea and land warnings early on July 10. The Civil Affairs Department, Social Affairs Department, Indigenous Peoples Commission, and Health Bureau are tasked with overseeing the evacuations, ensuring lists of evacuees are compiled and essential supplies and medications are prepared.

The period between the night of July 10 and the afternoon of July 11 is expected to be the most intense for Pingtung County. The forecast includes the possibility of short periods of torrential or extremely heavy rainfall, particularly in mountainous areas. Residents are urged to monitor weather information and official announcements from the county government to minimize disaster risks.

Authorities are also closely monitoring disaster risks in mountainous and potential landslide areas. Warnings have been issued for 74 streams prone to debris flows and zones susceptible to large-scale landslides. To mitigate potential flooding, Pingtung County has prepared 20 pumping stations, 70 pump units, 185 floodgates, and 5 detention ponds, all of which have undergone test runs. Additionally, 177 large mobile pumps are pre-positioned in 48 flood-prone areas, with fuel ready for immediate deployment. Protective materials, including 4,979 wave-dissipating blocks and 4,649 sandbags, are also stockpiled at key disaster prevention sites.