Taipei: Taiwanese authorities have evacuated more than 3,000 people and issued a land warning as Typhoon Fung Wong approaches the island, bringing the threat of heavy rain and strong winds to its eastern and southern regions. Officials say the storm, although weakening after passing through the Philippines, still poses serious risks of flooding and landslides.

The Central Weather Administration of Taiwan reported that the typhoon is expected to make landfall near the southwestern city of Kaohsiung on Wednesday before crossing the island and moving out through the eastern counties of Taitung and Hualien. Schools and offices have been closed in Hualien and Yilan, while rescue teams and local authorities are on standby to respond to any emergency situations.

President Lai Ching Te urged people to stay indoors and avoid mountainous and coastal areas where landslides and storm surges could occur. Local governments have moved residents from vulnerable communities, particularly in regions that have experienced landslides in past storms.

In the Philippines, the storm left a trail of destruction before heading toward Taiwan. At least 10 people were killed, and more than 1.4 million residents were forced to flee their homes due to heavy flooding and strong winds. Emergency workers continue to assist displaced families, while efforts are underway to restore electricity and clear debris in the hardest-hit provinces.

Meteorologists warn that despite losing strength, Typhoon Fung Wong still carries a large cloud mass capable of producing intense rainfall across Taiwan’s eastern and southern mountains. Flooding and power outages remain possible, especially in rural areas.

Officials have assured that northern Taiwan, including Hsinchu where the country’s semiconductor industry is based, is not expected to face severe impact. However, transportation services may still be disrupted as the storm moves across the island.

Emergency response centers remain active across Taiwan as the government continues to monitor the typhoon’s movement. People have been advised to store essential supplies and follow official updates closely until the storm fully passes.

The coming days will be critical as Fung Wong makes landfall, testing Taiwan’s preparedness and resilience against yet another major tropical storm in the region.