More than 3,300 residents in Taiwan have been evacuated from their homes as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong nears the island, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA).
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that the slow-moving storm was located about 140 km (87 miles) southwest of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, with sustained winds of 72 km/h (45 mph) and gusts reaching 101 km/h (63 mph). Fung-Wong, downgraded from a super typhoon, is expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening, moving northeast across the island.
Earlier in the week, the storm caused 18 fatalities in the Philippines due to flooding and landslides, according to the Associated Press, but has gradually weakened as it approached Taiwan.
Precautionary Measures in Taiwan
In preparation for the storm, authorities closed schools and workplaces across southern and eastern Taiwan on Wednesday. All domestic flights were also cancelled to ensure safety.
Parts of Taiwan have already experienced heavy rainfall and flooding, with one northern community recording 783.5 mm (3 inches) of rainfall by Tuesday evening.
The majority of the evacuation orders have been issued for Hualien County, on Taiwan’s rugged east coast, which is highly susceptible to landslides and typhoon-related damage.
Barrier Lakes Raise Safety Concerns
Hualien County remains particularly vulnerable due to barrier lakes natural water accumulations blocked by landslides which can overflow catastrophically during heavy rainfall. In September, a barrier lake in the same area overflowed during another typhoon, killing 19 people and sending 60 million tonnes of water and debris into nearby communities.
Authorities have been monitoring this barrier lake throughout the week. The Forestry Bureau noted that the lake cannot be easily drained when ground conditions are unstable.
CNA footage shows floodwaters surging through a village of about 300 residents in Hualien County on Tuesday, moving vehicles and washing out roads in low-lying areas.
Weather Forecast
Heavy rain advisories remain in effect until Thursday morning, when Fung-Wong is expected to move out to sea. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official instructions as emergency services continue monitoring the storm.
