TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Podul (颱風楊柳) unleashed devastating winds and torrential rains across southern Taiwan Wednesday (Aug. 13), forcing authorities to evacuate 747 people as the powerful storm battered communities from Taitung County to Pingtung's Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島). The typhoon made landfall early morning before intensifying throughout the afternoon, prompting emergency officials to issue severe weather warnings across multiple counties. Local communities and businesses faced widespread disruption as the storm's destructive path carved through Taiwan's vulnerable southern regions.
Pingtung County's South Bay (南灣) and Hengchun Township (恆春鎮區) endured catastrophic rainfall starting at 2 p.m., recording nearly 100 millimeters in just one hour - Taiwan's highest precipitation rate. The torrential deluge overwhelmed drainage systems and flooded multiple roads, creating knee-deep water in low-lying areas that trapped residents and paralyzed commercial activities. Local communities struggled desperately against the sudden and intense downpour that transformed familiar streets into dangerous waterways within minutes.
The Central Weather Administration (氣象署) Taiwan's national weather service tracked Typhoon Podul moving offshore from southern Taiwan Wednesday night, though its destructive storm circle continued threatening Pingtung, Hualien, Taitung, and Penghu Counties. Officials urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as dangerous conditions persisted across the affected regions. The Pingtung County government confirmed that 747 people had been evacuated by afternoon as a precautionary measure, with 409 already secured in emergency shelters.
Coast Guard, police, and fire departments issued urgent warnings against visiting coastal or low-lying areas as the typhoon generated dangerous high waves and destructive winds. Meteorologists predicted that peak impact would continue from Wednesday through early Thursday morning, with additional heavy rainfall threatening already saturated regions. Emergency officials urged the public to maintain maximum vigilance and preparedness as the storm's most dangerous phase approached Taiwan's vulnerable communities. ◼
>>> In case of a typhoon or natural disaster, you should prepare for the storm and avoid going outside. Stay away from beaches and coastal areas for wave-watching or water activities. Be alert for strong winds and heavy rain while watching for landslides and falling rocks. Remember that emergency assistance is available at 119/1999, maritime emergencies at 118, and police or disaster reporting at 110/119.
