Taiwan: 128 injured by twin typhoons July 29-30 /update 2

Event

Tropical Storm Haitang, which made landfall near Kaohsiung on Sunday, July 30, exacerbated the effects of Tropical Storm Nesat, which had made landfall in northern Yilan county on Saturday, July 29.

At least 128 people were injured by wind-induced vehicle accidents or air-borne debris during the storms, which resulted in flooding and power outages in southern Taiwan. Over 650,000 households were without electricity over the weekend, with around 28,600 still left without power as of Monday, July 31.

Flood relief efforts are currently underway in low-lying areas in southern Pingtung and Tainan counties. Over 98 cm (38 in) rainfall was recorded in southern Taiwan, where more than 10,000 individuals were forced to evacuate. Mountainous areas remain at risk of mudslides, collapsing bridges, and subsequent road closures.

Public transportation has been severely disrupted. Most train services have been suspended, including trains linking Taipei and Fulong. Residual flight disruptions at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) are possible.

Although Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau lifted all warnings for the storms, further rain is expected throughout Monday.

Context

The rainy season (monsoon season) in Taiwan runs from June until October.

Advice

Individuals in Taiwan are advised to confirm travel reservations, to allow for extra time to reach their destinations, to keep abreast of weather forecasts, and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.