Battling Typhoon Haikui: Taiwan's preparations and response

Taiwan prepares for Typhoon Haikui

Taiwan braced itself for the imminent arrival of Typhoon Haikui on a Sunday. With the impending threat of torrential rain and powerful winds, the authorities took precautionary measures. Domestic flights were grounded, and nearly 3,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas. The island was on high alert as it anticipated the impact of this approaching typhoon.

Typhoon Haikui was predicted to make landfall in the remote and sparsely populated southeastern region of Taiwan, particularly in the mountainous terrain. The expected time for landfall was late Sunday afternoon. Counties and cities in the eastern and southern parts of the island had already cancelled classes and granted a day off to workers in anticipation of the storm's arrival.

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Comparatively weaker than Saola

In contrast to the recent Typhoon Saola, which struck Hong Kong and the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, Typhoon Haikui was considerably weaker. Forecasters anticipated that it would reach only Category 1 or 2 status when it hit Taiwan, as per Tropical Storm Risk's assessment. Despite this relative weakness, the government took no chances and initiated evacuations to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Preparations and response

Taiwan's government acted swiftly to safeguard its people. Evacuation efforts were initiated, primarily focusing on settlements in the southern and eastern regions, which were deemed most vulnerable. This proactive approach aimed to minimize the potential risks associated with the impending typhoon.

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To mitigate the impact of Typhoon Haikui, Taiwan's two main domestic airlines, UNI Air and Mandarin Airlines, cancelled all their flights on Sunday. Additionally, ferry services to the offshore islands were suspended. While domestic travel faced significant disruptions, international flights were relatively less affected, with only 25 cancellations scheduled for Sunday.

Military mobilization

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the military played a crucial role in disaster response. Soldiers and equipment were mobilized to assist with flood relief and evacuation efforts. This coordinated effort between civil authorities and the military aimed to ensure a swift and effective response to the challenges posed by Typhoon Haikui.

Once Typhoon Haikui passes across southern Taiwan, it is forecasted to traverse the Taiwan Strait and head towards mainland China. While its strength may diminish, the potential for adverse weather conditions and disruptions persists. Both Taiwan and China will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautions to protect their citizens and minimize the impact of this natural disaster.

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