A tropical depression that made landfall in southern Taiwan on Wednesday evening has left 95 people injured across the island, authorities reported on Thursday. The storm, named Fung-wong, brought heavy rainfall and flooding, prompting the evacuation of more than 8,500 residents from coastal and mountainous areas.
The depression had sustained winds of 54 kph (34 mph) near its centre, with higher gusts recorded on Thursday. Northern coastal areas near the city of Yilan received over 1.065 metres (42 inches) of rain since Monday, raising concerns of continued flooding and landslides.
Weather officials warned that heavy rain would persist through Thursday near the northeastern port city of Keelung and the capital, Taipei. Residents were advised to stay vigilant against flooding, landslides, and flying debris from buildings.
Schools and offices reopened across the island after two days of closures in some areas. The storm's impact was particularly severe in Mingli Village, eastern Hualien County, where a creek overflowed, causing heavy floods and the closure of a section of highway.
Fung-wong, which previously struck the Philippines as a super typhoon, caused at least 27 deaths there before weakening as it approached Taiwan. The storm's reduced intensity still posed significant risks, with authorities urging continued caution.
