TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hualien County (花蓮縣) authorities evacuated over 6,200 residents Tuesday (Nov. 11) as Typhoon Fung-wong (鳳凰) caused severe flooding. Officials issued a red alert for Mataian Creek's (馬太鞍溪) landslide dam after floodwaters submerged bridges and Route 9. The county suspended work and classes due to dangerous conditions from the typhoon's impact.
Some evacuated residents returned home during rain breaks to retrieve medications or care for pets. Village chiefs expressed concern and helplessness over residents ignoring evacuation orders. Authorities require returnees to sign written agreements accepting full responsibility for their safety.
The Central Weather Administration, Taiwan's meteorological agency, reported the typhoon weakened to light intensity on Tuesday morning. The storm center moved north-northeast at 12 kph (7.5 mph), located 360 km (224 miles) southwest of Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻), the southernmost point of the main island of Taiwan. The typhoon threatens southern Taiwan regions, including Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, and Hengchun Peninsula.
Typhoon Fung-wong's outer circulation, combined with the northeast monsoon, caused Mataian Creek waters to surge dangerously. Flooding hit roads in Wanrong Township's (萬榮鄉) Mingli Village (明利村), forcing evacuations from Guangfu (光復鄉) and Fenglin townships (鳳林鎮). Officials closed temporary roads and bridges as precautionary safety measures. ◼
- Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service: CWA Typhoon Information: https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/P/Typhoon/TY_NEWS.html
- Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), U.S. Navy's Pacific storm tracking facility: JTWC Tropical Warnings: https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA, 気象庁), Japan's official weather authority: JMA Tropical Cyclone Information: https://www.data.jma.go.jp/multi/cyclone/cyclone_detail.html?id=61&lang=en
>>> In case of a typhoon, 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.
