TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced on Friday (Nov. 1) that the decision to resume regular work and school schedules followed discussions with New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Keelung.
Taipei citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, as Typhoon Kong-rey left debris and fallen branches obstructing roads.
Chiang noted that the weather team predicted a significant decrease in wind and rain by Friday, which did not meet the criteria for canceling work and school.
He stated that the city government ordered all departments to restore operations swiftly and ensure the safety of frontline personnel. The Department of Environmental Protection (環保局) deployed cleaning crews at 5 a.m. to begin restoration efforts.
By 8:30 to 9 a.m., the Public Works Department (工務局) had restored 80% of the traffic capacity on over 150 major thoroughfares. Chiang expressed gratitude to the workers for their dedication.