Taiwan: Thousands evacuated July 17 as authorities issue warnings over Storm Danas /update 1

Event

Thousands of people were evacuated in Taiwan (most from islands off the eastern Taiwanese coast) on Wednesday, July 17, ahead of Tropical Storm Danas, which is forecast to affect Taiwan on Thursday, July 18. As of Wednesday night (local time), the center of the storm was located near 20.4°N, 124.0°E, as the storm moved toward the north-northeast at 26 kph (16 mph), packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph (40 mph). Dozens of domestic flights and ferry services have been canceled and authorities have issued flood and rough seas warnings.

The center of Danas is forecast to pass to the east of Taiwan on Thursday, with tropical-storm-force winds affecting Kaohsiung and Taipei. Heavy rainfall will likely drench the eastern half of Taiwan on Thursday, with rainfall in Taipei expected to cause flooding and consequent transportation disruptions (e.g. traffic delays and flight delays and cancelations) through Thursday night. Flooding may cause landslides in mountainous areas, obstructing roads and traffic, with high winds and forecast heavy rainfall possibly resulting in power and telecommunications outages.  

Advice

Individuals in Taiwan are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding, telecommunications and power outages, and widespread transportation disruptions (including due to flight disruptions and road obstructions), stockpile sufficient food, water, and medical supplies, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.