Typhoon Saola Weakens, Shifts North; Taiwan Faces Heavy Rains, Agricultural Losses

Typhoon Saola has weakened and is tracking further north, significantly lowering its threat to Taiwan, according to the Central Weather Administration. A marine typhoon warning is anticipated for Thursday afternoon, with the storm expected to bring the strongest winds and rain from Thursday evening into Friday. While the likelihood of a land warning for mainland Taiwan has decreased, Matsu may face a land warning on Thursday morning.

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Saola is weakening and its path is shifting north, reducing its threat to Taiwan!

Forecasters anticipate Saola will be at the strength of a "lower-end moderate typhoon" to an "upper-end light typhoon" as it approaches Taiwan due to unfavorable environmental conditions. Despite the reduced risk of a land warning for the island, Taiwan's periphery will be affected by its outer circulation from Thursday evening through Friday, bringing heavy rain to areas from north to south. Eastern Taiwan, however, could experience "Foehn wind" effects due to atmospheric subsidence.

The heavy rainfall has already led to tragic consequences. A female hiker, who was swept away by swollen river waters while attempting the Ma-Po Cross-Strait trek, had her body discovered downstream. Separately, a security guard, Huang, who was washed away by a river along the Hualien Yuchang temporary road, remained missing as of Sunday evening. In a positive development, two individuals stranded in a valley near the Longjian power plant in Xiulin Township have received warm clothing and food via air drop and await rescue once waters recede.

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The typhoon is weakening all the way as it approaches Taiwan due to unfavorable environmental conditions, and its path has been clearly adjusted northward.

Southern Taiwan has experienced substantial agricultural damage, totaling NT$96.61 million as of Sunday afternoon, with Chiayi County bearing the brunt at NT$41.77 million. The Ministry of Agriculture has designated Chiayi City and County, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung for disaster relief subsidies for agricultural and livestock products, excluding poultry houses and composting facilities. Tainan and Kaohsiung's fish farms are also fully covered for disaster relief. Additionally, due to concerns about unstable mountain soil and the need for residents to manage their homes, several areas in Pingtung County, including all of Chunri Township and specific villages in Sandimen Township, Nanzhou Township, and Jiadong Township, along with certain villages in Donggang Township, will suspend work and classes on Monday.

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The cumulative rainfall in the southern region exceeded that of Typhoon Morakot.