Thousands evacuated, flights cancelled as Typhoon Haikui hits Taiwan - The Straits Times

TAIPEI – Domestic flights were cancelled and almost 4,000 people were evacuated as Taiwan girded for the arrival of Typhoon Haikui on Sunday, which is expected to bring torrential rain and strong winds to the island’s south and east.

Haikui made landfall in the mountainous and sparsely populated far south-east of Taiwan mid-Sunday afternoon, the first typhoon to directly hit Taiwan in four years.

Counties and cities in the region cancelled classes and declared a day off for workers.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told a meeting of disaster management officials that people should avoid going out and not go up mountains, to the coast, fishing or engage in water sports, according to a statement from her office.

Residents hunkered down indoors in the dark, staying away from windows as strong gusts of wind sent fallen trees and dislodged water tanks flying in the air.

“This is just beginning, the wind is just coming in and you can see trees toppling already,” said retired mechanic Chang Jhi-ming, 58, in Taitung.

The typhoon has gathered speed since Saturday, and at 7.15pm was carrying sustained winds of about 140kmh.

“Rain and wind will be most intense and its impact will be most obvious during this period” after landfall, said a spokesman for the weather bureau, adding that the typhoon will move into the Taiwan Strait by Monday evening.

Across the island, more than 21,000 households lost power and, while most saw it restored by mid-afternoon, about 9,000 were still without electricity when Haikui hit – including in Taitung.

Taiwan’s government said that 3,729 people had been evacuated, mainly in the south and east.

The two main domestic airlines, Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines, cancelled all flights on Sunday, while ferry services to offshore islands were canned as well.

There was less disruption to international flights, with only 41 cancelled for Sunday, Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration said.

The military has mobilised soldiers and equipment to help with flood relief and evacuation efforts.

After passing across southern Taiwan, Haikui is forecast to cross the Taiwan Strait into China. REUTERS

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2023-09-03 14:12:41Z
CBMiamh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0cmFpdHN0aW1lcy5jb20vYXNpYS90aG91c2FuZHMtZXZhY3VhdGVkLWZsaWdodHMtY2FuY2VsbGVkLWFzLXRhaXdhbi1naXJkcy1mb3ItdHlwaG9vbi1oYWlrdWnSAQA