Typhoon Sarla triggers gale warning, emergency response center activated

Taiwan has issued a gale warning for Typhoon Sarla, which is forecast to move closest to the island's northern waters and near the Matsu Islands later today and into tomorrow. In response, the Central Emergency Operation Center was activated this morning, with Deputy Commander and Fire Agency Director Hsiao Huan-chang leading the first working meeting.

Despite indications that the typhoon may be weakening and its wind field shrinking, authorities are urging caution. Director Hsiao emphasized the need for the public to avoid coastal activities such as sightseeing, swimming, and water sports. The Meteorological Research Institute is closely monitoring the typhoon's trajectory and providing real-time weather intelligence to local governments to aid in disaster preparedness.

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Although the typhoon is weakening and the wind field is shrinking, we still ask the public to avoid water activities such as watching waves, playing in the water, and swimming by the sea.

Significant rainfall is expected, with localized heavy downpours or short-duration torrential rain anticipated in areas south of Chiayi. The mountainous regions of central Taiwan and Matsu may also experience heavy rain. This is particularly concerning for southern Taiwan, which has recently endured consecutive days of heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of landslides, rockfalls, mudslides, and flash floods.

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For areas south of Chiayi, there will be localized heavy rain or short-duration torrential rain. Central mountainous areas and Matsu may also have localized heavy rain.

Strong gusts of wind, reaching 8 to 9 on the Beaufort scale, are expected in exposed coastal areas of northern Taiwan, the Hengchun Peninsula, and the islands of Green Island, Orchid Island, Matsu, and Penghu. Wave heights are forecast to increase to 2 to 4 meters, with particularly large waves expected near Matsu. Authorities are coordinating with police and the Coast Guard to strengthen efforts in persuading people to stay away from coastal areas.

Adding to the concern, August 28th coincides with the King Tides, prompting enhanced flood prevention measures and sandbag preparations in the Keelung area. The Ministry of Education has been instructed to ensure timely dissemination of weather information to all schools, especially for new students, to facilitate typhoon preparedness and ensure campus safety. Given the ongoing recovery efforts in flood-affected southern regions, all government agencies and local authorities are conducting comprehensive reviews of their flood prevention readiness, focusing on drainage systems, flood retention facilities, and the testing of pumping equipment.

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Given the recent heavy rains in southern Taiwan, please be sure to pay attention to the rainfall during the typhoon period, especially the disasters brought by collapses, rockfalls, mudslides, and rising stream water.