Taiwan evacuates thousands, shuts schools ahead of Fung-wong

TAIPEI, November 13 ------ Taiwan evacuated more than 8,300 people from coastal and mountainous areas and closed schools before a tropical storm brushes the southern part of the island on Wednesday. Fung-wong had super typhoon strength when it battered the Philippines on Sunday, causing flooding, landslides, power outages, and at least 27 deaths. Still holding tropical storm strength on Wednesday morning, it was expected to continue losing wind speed and size as it approached Taiwan.

Heavy rains and flooding injured at least 51 people as of Wednesday morning, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency said. Authorities evacuated 8,326 people, the majority of them from eastern Hualien County, where a typhoon left 18 dead in September. An overflowing creek flooded a village in Hualien on Tuesday. Images carried by local media showed a car being swept away by floodwater.

Schools and offices were closed in central and southern parts of Taiwan, including the coastal cities of Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan, as well as Pingtung, Chiayi, and Miaoli counties. The capital, Taipei, in the island’s north, operated as usual.

As of Wednesday morning, Fung-wong was about 140 kilometers (87 miles) southwest of Taiwan in the South China Sea, moving northeast at 16 kph (10 mph). It was expected to make landfall during the afternoon or evening and graze the southern part of the island before exiting from its southeastern side. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 65 kph (40 mph) and stronger gusts.

Authorities warned residents around the island to avoid going to the beach, where waves were expected to rise to about 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16.4 feet). Signboards, fences, and flowerpots were to be secured in anticipation of strong winds.

Source: manilatimes.net