Taipei: Taiwan has begun large-scale emergency preparations as Typhoon Fung-Wong approaches its eastern coastline, prompting the evacuation of more than 3,000 residents from vulnerable areas. The storm, which has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, is forecast to strike Taiwan late Tuesday or early Wednesday, bringing with it heavy rains, high winds, and a significant risk of flooding and landslides.
Authorities in several coastal and mountainous regions, including Hualien, Taitung, and Yilan counties, ordered preemptive evacuations to prevent casualties from flash floods and potential landslides. As of Tuesday morning, official figures indicated that 3,337 residents had been moved to designated shelters.
Local governments have also announced the suspension of schools and office operations in the most affected zones. “Even though Fung-Wong has weakened slightly, it remains a serious threat,” warned Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, urging citizens to stay away from mountainsides, riverbanks, and coastal areas.
In preparation for the typhoon’s impact, Taiwan’s transportation ministry cancelled at least 66 domestic flights and issued advisories for travelers to avoid unnecessary movement. Ferry services to offshore islands have been temporarily suspended, while train authorities are closely monitoring conditions along southern and eastern railway lines.
President Lai Ching-te called on citizens to exercise caution and follow official guidance, emphasizing that the safety of residents is the government’s top priority. Rescue teams and military personnel have been deployed across key locations to ensure rapid response in the event of emergencies.
According to the Central Weather Administration, Typhoon Fung-Wong is expected to make landfall in the southeastern part of Taiwan, passing through the less densely populated counties before heading back into the Pacific Ocean. Although the storm has weakened from its earlier “strong typhoon” classification, meteorologists warn that its slow movement could cause prolonged rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas.
The northern city of Hsinchu, home to the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is unlikely to face direct impact, though companies have been advised to activate contingency plans in case of power or logistics disruptions.
Before approaching Taiwan, Typhoon Fung-Wong battered the northern Philippines, leaving at least 18 people dead, two missing, and 28 injured, mostly due to landslides in the mountainous Cordillera region. Thousands of homes were damaged, and several provinces remain under a state of calamity.
Philippine authorities have since begun recovery operations, but the devastation serves as a grim reminder of the typhoon’s destructive potential as it moves toward Taiwan.
For Taiwan, this storm is yet another test of its disaster readiness. The island, located on the typhoon belt of the western Pacific, faces several major storms each year, often bringing severe flooding and infrastructure damage. In September, a powerful typhoon caused widespread destruction in Hualien, claiming 18 lives and displacing hundreds.
Officials say early evacuation and strict adherence to safety protocols are key to reducing casualties this time. “Our goal is to prevent the loss of life, no matter how the typhoon shifts,” a spokesperson from the National Fire Agency said.
Beyond immediate safety concerns, Taiwan’s proactive response underscores the broader global importance of its stability. As a hub for the semiconductor and electronics industries, even short-term disruptions can ripple across global supply chains. Meteorologists also note that the increasing frequency of intense tropical storms in the region may be linked to climate change, which continues to alter rainfall and temperature patterns across East Asia.
As Typhoon Fung-Wong closes in, Taiwan remains on full alert. Authorities have mobilized rescue teams, secured transport routes, and urged citizens to prioritize safety over mobility. While the storm’s strength has diminished slightly, its potential for destruction remains high particularly in mountainous and low-lying regions. The coming 24 hours will determine the extent of its impact, testing both Taiwan’s disaster preparedness and the resilience of its people.