A tropical depression has unleashed torrential rain across Taiwan, causing widespread flooding and creating a continued high risk of landslides. The storm, which made landfall on Wednesday evening, has already resulted in dozens of injuries and the evacuation of thousands from vulnerable areas.
Evacuations and Widespread Damage
The storm system, formerly known as Super Typhoon Fung-wong, struck southern Pingtung County, bringing sustained winds of 54 kph (34 mph) near its centre with even stronger gusts. In a major preventative action, authorities evacuated more than 8,500 people from coastal and mountainous regions as the storm approached.
The relentless downpour has caused significant injury, with a total of 95 people injured around the island. One of the hardest-hit locations was Mingli Village in the eastern Hualien County, where a creek overflowed and triggered heavy floods. The severe weather also forced the closure of a portion of a major highway after it was submerged.
Ongoing Weather Threats and Regional Impact
Weather officials have warned that the danger is not over. Heavy rain was expected to continue through Thursday near the northeastern port city of Keelung and around the capital, Taipei. Residents have been urged to be vigilant for potential flooding and landslides in mountainous terrain, as well as flying debris from buildings.
The northern coastal areas around Yilan city have borne the brunt of the rainfall, receiving a staggering more than 1.065 meters (42 inches) of rain since Monday. Despite the ongoing threats, schools and offices have begun to reopen across the island after a two-day closure in some areas.
It is notable that Fung-wong initially hit the Philippines as a far more powerful super typhoon, causing devastating floods and landslides that led to at least 27 deaths. The system lost considerable speed and strength as it moved towards Taiwan, diminishing to a tropical depression.
