What Is Happening in Taiwan?
On 11 August, Tropical Storm Podul strengthened into a typhoon before making landfall in Taitung County at midday on 13 August. The storm moved across the southern third of the island at approximately 36 km/h (22 mph), impacting both eastern and western coastal regions.
By the morning of 13 August, Podul’s effects were already being felt in:
- Eastern Taiwan waters
- The Bashi Channel
- The southern Taiwan Strait
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued land warnings for Pingtung, Taitung, Hualien counties, and Kaohsiung City. Authorities have reported:
- Closure of schools and government offices in nine cities and counties, including Kaohsiung and Tainan
- Cancellation of 252 domestic and 129 international flights, primarily at Kaohsiung and Taoyuan airports
- Evacuation of around 700 residents in Hualien County due to overflow risks from a landslide-created natural dam
The CWA forecasts up to 600 mm of rainfall in southern mountainous areas, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in the east, southeast, and mountain regions. Coastal areas, particularly the west coast south of Changhua County and the coasts of Hualien and Taitung, are facing waves up to five meters and strong coastal winds.
Why Is This Happening?
Taiwan’s mountainous east coast, directly facing the Pacific Ocean, is highly vulnerable to typhoons. The landfall of Podul comes as the country is still recovering from Typhoon Danas, which hit the west coast in July, causing widespread flooding, record winds, multiple landslides, and four fatalities.
The storm’s trajectory across Taiwan’s southern regions and over its Central Mountain Range is intensifying rainfall patterns and elevating risks of landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage.
Consequences Across Sectors and Communities
Transportation & Travel:
- Road closures in flood-prone and mountainous regions
- Significant flight disruptions at Kaohsiung and Taoyuan airports
- Risk of port operation delays due to high waves and strong winds
Utilities & Infrastructure:
- High potential for power outages and communication network failures
- Increased strain on emergency services in landslide-prone areas
- Delays in repair work and aid delivery to affected rural communities
Public Safety:
- Evacuation of vulnerable populations from high-risk zones
- Emergency alerts for flooding, landslides, and coastal hazards
- Ongoing monitoring of unstable slopes, riverbanks, and natural dams
Medium-Term Outlook: Preparing for Extended Impact
Typhoon Podul is expected to continue affecting Taiwan’s western coast before moving toward China’s Fujian Province on 14 August, weakening to a tropical storm after crossing the Central Mountain Range. Coastal Guangdong may experience heavy showers and thunderstorms through 15 August.
Persistent heavy rainfall in Taiwan’s east and southeast could prolong the risk of:
- Flash floods and landslides
- Road blockages and transportation delays
- Disruptions to power and communications
Organizations should:
- Monitor CWA updates regularly
- Reassess travel and logistics schedules
- Activate contingency measures for workforce safety and supply chain continuity
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