Typhoon Haikui Hits Southeastern Taiwan, Causing Evacuations and Flight Cancellations
TAIPEI, Sept 3 – Typhoon Haikui made landfall in southeastern Taiwan on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. As a result, domestic flights were cancelled, and nearly 4,000 people were evacuated from the affected areas.
Haikui hit the mountainous and sparsely populated region in the far southeast of Taiwan in the mid-afternoon, marking the first direct hit by a typhoon in the country in four years. In response, local authorities cancelled classes and declared a day off for workers.
President Tsai Ing-wen urged people to stay indoors and avoid going to the mountains, coastlines, fishing, or engaging in water sports, according to a statement from her office.
While there were few reports of damage, the fire department confirmed that two people sustained minor injuries when a tree fell on a truck in the eastern county of Hualien. Taipei, the capital city, experienced only sporadic rain showers.
Compared to Typhoon Saola, which struck Hong Kong and Guangdong province in southern China on Saturday, Haikui is a weaker storm.
The Taiwanese government reported that a total of 3,729 individuals had been evacuated, primarily from the south and east regions. Domestic flights were cancelled, and ferry services to surrounding islands were also suspended. However, international flights experienced less disruption, with only 41 cancellations reported by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
To aid in flood relief and evacuation efforts, the military has mobilized soldiers and equipment.
After passing through southern Taiwan, Haikui is expected to enter the Taiwan Strait and head towards China.
Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Angie Teo; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Edwina Gibbs
How many domestic flights have been cancelled as a result of Typhoon Haikui hitting southeastern Taiwan
Typhoon Haikui Hits Southeastern Taiwan, Triggering Evacuations and Flight Cancellations
TAIPEI, Sept 3 - Brace yourselves, folks! Typhoon Haikui has made landfall in southeastern Taiwan, unleashing torrential rain and fierce winds. This tempestuous weather pattern has resulted in the cancellation of domestic flights and the evacuation of nearly 4,000 individuals from the affected areas.
Haikui slammed into the remote and mountainous region of the far southeast of Taiwan on Sunday afternoon, marking the nation’s first direct encounter with a typhoon in four long years. As a precautionary measure, local authorities have suspended classes and declared a day off for workers.
President Tsai Ing-wen has emphatically urged citizens to seek refuge indoors and avoid venturing to mountainous terrains, coastlines, fishing spots, or embarking on water sports. Safety comes first!
Fortunately, reports of damage have been relatively low, save for two unfortunate individuals who sustained minor injuries when a tree toppled onto their truck in Hualien, an eastern county of Taiwan. Taipei, the capital city, has experienced sporadic rain showers thus far.
In comparison to Typhoon Saola, which struck Hong Kong and Guangdong province in southern China on Saturday, Haikui is considered a weaker storm. However, it is essential to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the course of this natural phenomenon.
According to the Taiwanese government, a total of 3,729 people have been successfully evacuated, mainly from the southern and eastern regions. Domestic flights have been axed, and ferry services to neighboring islands have been temporarily suspended. Thankfully, international flights have faced minimal disruptions, with only 41 cancellations reported by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
To support flood relief and evacuation operations, the military has promptly mobilized soldiers and equipment. We are truly grateful for their assistance during this challenging time.
After making its way through southern Taiwan, Haikui is predicted to venture into the Taiwan Strait, eventually setting its sights on China.
Stay safe out there!
Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Angie Teo; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Edwina Gibbs.
I hope everyone stays safe and that the damage is minimal.