Taiwan is on high alert as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong approaches, forcing authorities to evacuate thousands of residents from vulnerable areas, with officials warning of severe flooding and landslides.
More than 3,300 people have been evacuated in Taiwan, primarily from Hualien County on the island’s eastern coast, as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong brings strong winds and persistent rainfall.
The Central Weather Administration reported the storm was 140km southwest of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, producing winds of 72km/h with gusts reaching 101km/h across the coastal areas.
Fung-Wong, which weakened from a super typhoon earlier this week, is expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening, moving northeast and threatening communities with torrential rainfall and strong gusts.
Schools and workplaces across southern and eastern Taiwan have been shuttered, and domestic flights were cancelled as a precautionary measure ahead of Tropical Storm Fung-Wong’s anticipated arrival.
Authorities have warned residents to avoid flood-prone areas, particularly in Hualien County, which has historically experienced the brunt of typhoon-related damage, landslides, and flooding in Taiwan.
Parts of Taiwan have already received heavy rainfall, with one northern community recording 783.5mm of precipitation as of Tuesday evening, highlighting the storm’s potential for significant flooding.
The Taiwan Forestry Bureau is monitoring a barrier lake in Hualien County that could overflow during the storm, posing a severe risk to nearby communities if water levels continue rising.
Barrier lakes, created by landslides and rainfall, cannot be dismantled easily if conditions are unstable, making early evacuation essential for residents at risk from flooding and debris flows.
Videos shared by local authorities show overflowing creeks surging through villages, pushing cars and damaging roads, emphasizing the destructive power of Tropical Storm Fung-Wong as it nears Taiwan.
Previous typhoons have caused substantial damage in Hualien, including the September event where 19 people were killed when a barrier lake overflowed, releasing millions of tonnes of water and debris.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue until Thursday morning, as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong moves northeast across Taiwan and eventually heads back out to sea, giving communities little respite.
Evacuation centers have been opened to shelter affected residents, with emergency services preparing for swift response to flooding, fallen trees, and landslides triggered by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong.
Local officials are advising residents to stock essential supplies, avoid travel during peak rainfall, and remain in secure locations until the storm passes and authorities lift warnings.
The storm has already left a trail of destruction in the Philippines, where it caused 18 deaths and displaced thousands, highlighting the potential impact on Taiwan if Tropical Storm Fung-Wong maintains its strength.
Taiwan’s disaster management agencies are coordinating with local governments, deploying rescue teams, and monitoring rivers and reservoirs to mitigate the potential hazards posed by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong.
Authorities have emphasized that the slow-moving nature of the storm increases the risk of prolonged rainfall, which could exacerbate flooding, landslides, and road washouts across affected regions.
Communities along the eastern coast have been identified as particularly vulnerable due to steep terrain and previous experiences with typhoon-related flooding and landslides, prompting priority evacuations.
Many residents have shared images and videos of overflowing rivers, debris-strewn streets, and damaged property as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong nears, highlighting the storm’s threat to both life and infrastructure.
Emergency response teams are equipped with boats, high-clearance vehicles, and medical supplies to assist stranded residents and provide urgent care during Tropical Storm Fung-Wong’s passage.
Officials have also implemented traffic control measures, shutting down highways in flood-prone areas and redirecting motorists to safer routes to prevent accidents during heavy rain and strong winds.
The government has activated a nationwide emergency broadcast system to keep citizens informed of rainfall updates, evacuation orders, and safety instructions as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong advances.
Farmers and coastal communities have been urged to secure crops, livestock, and property in anticipation of Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, which could cause widespread agricultural and economic damage across Taiwan.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring satellite imagery and atmospheric conditions, warning that while the storm has weakened slightly, heavy rainfall and gusty winds remain a major concern for the island.
Authorities caution that flooding and landslides can occur with little warning in mountainous areas, and residents should remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and report emergencies immediately during Tropical Storm Fung-Wong.
International organizations and local agencies are coordinating relief efforts, readying supplies and temporary housing for those displaced by flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong.
Community volunteers and disaster response personnel continue door-to-door checks in high-risk zones, ensuring that residents are aware of the storm’s dangers and assisting with evacuations where needed.
Despite weakening from its super typhoon status, Tropical Storm Fung-Wong retains significant destructive potential, and authorities are stressing that residents must not underestimate the severity of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The aftermath of previous storms in Taiwan shows that landslides, overflowing rivers, and property damage can cause fatalities and long-term disruptions, prompting heightened preparedness for Tropical Storm Fung-Wong.
Officials continue monitoring the storm’s path, updating the public regularly through news outlets, social media, and emergency broadcasts to minimize casualties and prevent loss of life in Taiwan.
Local communities have been instructed to establish communication plans, remain indoors during peak rainfall, and avoid low-lying areas to stay safe as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong approaches.
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency has reported readiness to respond to water rescues, landslide incidents, and urgent medical emergencies triggered by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong’s effects on the island.
Residents are reminded to secure loose objects, reinforce property where possible, and avoid driving through flooded roads, as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong can rapidly change conditions and create hazards.
The government has also advised against traveling to mountainous regions, where landslides are most likely to occur, and warned that barrier lakes could overflow, compounding flood risks across Hualien County.
With heavy rainfall expected to persist into Thursday, authorities continue monitoring rivers, reservoirs, and coastal areas, prepared to adjust evacuation orders in response to Tropical Storm Fung-Wong’s evolving intensity.
In preparation for the storm’s arrival, Taiwan has mobilized search-and-rescue teams, emergency shelters, and relief supplies to ensure rapid assistance is available to residents affected by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong.
Public safety campaigns are urging residents to remain indoors, heed evacuation instructions, and avoid floodwaters, reinforcing that Tropical Storm Fung-Wong poses a serious risk to life and property across Taiwan.
While the storm’s exact trajectory remains under observation, authorities stress that precautionary evacuations are necessary to minimize casualties and protect communities vulnerable to Tropical Storm Fung-Wong’s impact.
The government is working closely with local authorities, meteorologists, and emergency response teams to coordinate resources, monitor water levels, and manage potential disasters caused by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong.
Residents are advised to remain patient, follow official instructions, and check for updates from trusted sources, as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong continues to threaten Taiwan with heavy rain, gusty winds, and flooding hazards.
