Taiwan: Tropical Storm Atsani to move through Bashi Channel November 6

Event

Tropical Storm Atsani is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon by the time it passes through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines on Friday morning, November 6. While the storm is not expected to make landfall over Taiwan, rough seas are expected during the passing of the storm and some areas may experience heavy rainfall and strong winds, particularly in the south. Taitung and the Hengchun Peninsula are two of the areas forecast to receive the heaviest precipitation.

The Central Weather Bureau has yet to issue any warnings regarding the storm and it is forecast to have passed through the region by Saturday, November 7. However, isolated heavy rainfall could cause flooding, landslides, and associated disruptions in some areas.

Context

Tropical depressions, storms, and typhoons are common from June to October, posing a considerable threat to human populations and infrastructure. The impact varies depending on the intensity of the storm system, as well as the topographical orientation of the affected area(s) and the observance of existing disaster preparedness programs.

Given Taiwan's high vulnerability to storm systems, a comprehensive regulatory regime is in place to ensure that the island is fully prepared to tackle the adverse effects of typhoons and meteorological hazards. The island's disaster management protocols are also periodically reviewed to improve their implementation, although it is worth noting that particularly powerful storm systems can also overwhelm preparedness measures.

Advice

Those in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.