TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Koinu has swept across Taiwan, prompting 18 out of 22 cities and counties to suspend work and school on Thursday (Oct. 5). Only four northern cities — Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan — are open, causing dissatisfaction among residents.
The four cities announced regular working and school schedules Wednesday at 8 p.m., but local media reported heavier rainfall in these areas than those declaring a typhoon day, leading to compaints.
Some Taoyuan residents voiced their complaints, pointing out that Taoyuan had not declared a single typhoon day this year.
During Typhoon Khanun in August, Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung had suspended work and classes, but Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang refrained, citing various meteorological forecasts.
With Typhoon Koinu hitting Taiwan, Hsinchu and Miaoli joined their counterparts in canceling work and school. At the same time, Taoyuan followed Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung, causing online users to question, "What living circle does Taoyuan belong to?"
Authorities previously suggested that a collective living circle has emerged in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan, morphing the former agreement of these cities to ensure minimal inconvenience and optimal safety for their residents.
