Taiwan Rushes to Evacuate Ahead of Typhoon Podul Landfall

(ThePost News)- Typhoon Podul is expected to make landfall near the southeastern city of Taitung in Taiwan on Wednesday, prompting urgent evacuations. Authorities are moving hundreds of people to safety as the mid-strength storm gains intensity, bringing gusts of up to 155 kph (96 mph).

Typhoons frequently hit Taiwan’s eastern coast, which is mountainous and sparsely populated. This storm comes as many communities are still recovering from recent extreme weather events.

In Hualien County, nearly 700 residents are being relocated due to the risk of flooding from a natural dam formed by a landslide during a previous typhoon. “People living downstream must follow evacuation orders immediately,” said Chu Chung-jui, from the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction. Authorities are closely monitoring the landslide lake for potential overflow.

After hitting the southeastern coast, Typhoon Podul is forecast to cross Taiwan’s densely populated western region before heading toward Fujian Province in southern China later this week.

The Central Weather Administration warns that up to 600 mm (24 inches) of rain could fall in southern mountainous areas over the next few days. Earlier this month, some regions saw more than a year’s worth of rain in a single week, leading to deadly floods and landslides that claimed four lives.

Evacuation efforts are also underway for residents whose homes remain damaged after a powerful July typhoon. That storm brought record-breaking winds, disrupted electricity supplies, and caused rare direct damage to Taiwan’s west coast.

On the beaches near the northeastern port of Suao, swimmers made the most of the calm before high seas warnings were issued and the coast guard sealed off access. “In the east, we’re used to typhoons and earthquakes,” said Yu How-ling, a 30-year-old visitor. “It’s just part of life here.”