Taiwan Evacuates Thousands and Closes Schools as Tropical Storm Approaches

Taiwan has evacuated more than 8,300 residents from coastal and mountainous regions and closed schools ahead of Tropical Storm Fung-wong's expected arrival on Wednesday. The storm, which had super typhoon strength when it struck the Philippines on Sunday, causing at least 27 deaths, is anticipated to weaken as it approaches Taiwan.

As of Wednesday morning, Fung-wong was approximately 140 kilometers southwest of Taiwan in the South China Sea, moving northeast at 16 kilometers per hour. It is expected to make landfall during the afternoon or evening, grazing the southern part of the island before exiting from its southeastern side. The storm's maximum sustained winds are 65 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts.

Authorities have evacuated 8,326 people, primarily from eastern Hualien County, where a typhoon in September resulted in 18 fatalities. An overflowing creek flooded a village in Hualien on Tuesday, with local media images showing a car being swept away by floodwaters.

Schools and offices have been closed in central and southern parts of Taiwan, including the coastal cities of Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan, as well as Pingtung, Chiayi, and Miaoli counties. The capital, Taipei, in the island's north, continues to operate as usual.

Residents have been advised to avoid beaches, with waves expected to reach heights of 3 to 5 meters. Authorities have also recommended securing signboards, fences, and flowerpots in anticipation of strong winds.

In the Philippines, more than 623,300 people remain in evacuation centers as of Wednesday, according to the Office of Civil Defense. Several deaths in the Philippines occurred due to landslides in the Cordillera region, a mountainous area popular among tourists for its natural attractions.