TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA, 交通部中央氣象署) issued a sea warning for Typhoon Podul early Tuesday (Aug. 12), prompting immediate safety measures across the island. Yushan National Park Headquarters (YSNP, 玉山國家公園管理處), which manages Taiwan's highest peak, closed its ecological protection area from 5:30 a.m. that same day. The swift response reflects Taiwan's well-established typhoon preparedness protocols.
Park officials reported that, as of 11 a.m., eight teams comprising 17 people remained uncontacted on the mountain. A total of 86 teams (299 people) had applied for entry before the closure. Eighteen teams (83 people) turned back after receiving advisories, while eight teams (25 people) descended safely and 16 teams (42 people) found shelter or lodging.
Park headquarters announced that all previously issued entry permits were now invalid and would need to be reapplied for after the typhoon passes. Officials advised hikers to stay updated on the latest weather information, prepare for emergencies, and contact their base for evacuation plans. The comprehensive safety measures reflect Taiwan's experience with typhoon-related mountain rescues.
Tourist destinations in Taiwan's central mountains also implemented precautionary measures. Qingjing Guest House (清境國民賓館) suspended all operations starting from 2 p.m., while Green Green Grassland (青青草原) restricted entry, reducing visitors to about 500 people. Qingjing Farm (清境農場) noted a significant drop in visitors despite sunny morning skies and began implementing typhoon precautions, including pruning branches, taping windows, and preparing sandbags. ◼
