Typhoon Bawei causes widespread outages in Taiwan; power and water services face challenges

Typhoon Bawei's powerful winds and heavy rains have significantly impacted Taiwan, leading to widespread power outages for over 240,000 households. The storm's effects have also strained water supply systems, with reservoir water becoming highly turbid.

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has been working diligently to restore electricity. As of Saturday evening, power has been restored to more than 230,000 households, achieving a restoration rate exceeding 95%. The remaining outages are primarily concentrated in the northern areas of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and New Taipei.

Taipower had anticipated the typhoon's impact, assessing higher risks in areas north of Taoyuan. The company mobilized support teams from various regions across the island to assist with repair efforts in the affected northern areas. Despite challenges posed by landslides and fallen trees, Taipower personnel are continuing repair work in coordination with local authorities.

Meanwhile, the Taiwan Water Corporation (TWSC) activated its emergency response mechanism to ensure a consistent water supply. Backup generators were deployed at key water treatment plants, and water was transferred between regions to compensate for increased turbidity in raw water sources. Measures were taken to stabilize supply to areas like New Taipei and Taoyuan, which rely on the Shimen Reservoir.

TWSC also utilized backup water sources and reservoirs in central and southern Taiwan to mitigate the impact of the typhoon on water quality and availability. The company is providing information on water supply status through its app and a dedicated hotline for customers experiencing disruptions.