Typhoon Bawei Floods Taiwan Highway, Turns Road into River

Typhoon Bawei's intense winds and heavy rains have battered Taiwan, with Miaoli County experiencing significant damage. In Tai'an Township, the Wenshui River surged over its banks near the hot spring area hotels. The torrent transformed a section of Provincial Highway 62, a vital route for Tai'an, into a flowing river.

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at least 300 meters of road section has become a small river

Local councilor Liu Mei-lan reported that at least 300 meters of the highway became a "small river," with water depths reaching the knees in places. This severe flooding has completely severed traffic between Tai'an and Dahu. Liu noted that the inundation is worse than in previous years, with the muddy torrent swallowing the road for several hundred meters.

Beyond the main highway, smaller connecting roads in the mountainous areas have also been affected by falling rocks and trees felled by the strong winds. Liu urged hotel operators to send employees home if conditions improve and roads become passable. For those who remain, she stressed the importance of ensuring their safety and proper accommodation.

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the flooding situation on Provincial Highway 62 this time is more serious than ever before

Village chiefs are currently assessing the damage in the front and back mountains despite the hazardous weather. Liu implored residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary, emphasizing the extreme danger posed by the high winds and heavy rains in the mountains. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and emergency responders.

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non-essential travel is strongly discouraged