TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei and New Taipei City fire departments received 26 emergency calls over the weekend, potentially linked to the recent cold surge, resulting in 18 deaths and discomfort.
While not all fatalities are directly attributed to the low temperatures, authorities urge residents to stay warm.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a Cold Surge Advisory on Monday (Dec. 25), as northern Taiwan experienced temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius in the early morning. Yunlin recorded an even colder temperature at 7.5 degrees Celsius.
As Taiwan prepared for a cold Christmas Day, the New Taipei City Fire Department reported four cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) between midnight and 8 a.m., with only one successful resuscitation.
The Taipei City Fire Department had 18 similar reports the previous day, with 13 families choosing not to resuscitate their loved ones, including a 37-year-old victim.
Officials caution that using heaters, water heaters, and other electric appliances indoors during cold weather can pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards. They advise maintaining ventilation and cautious use of such devices.
