TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Fung-wong (鳳凰颱風) forced evacuations in Hualien (花蓮) Tuesday (Nov. 11) as floodwaters sweep away vehicles. Officials issued a red alert for Mataian Creek's (馬太鞍溪) landslide lake after heavy rain battered the region. County authorities evacuated residents as devastating flooding scenes emerged from affected areas.
Rising Mataian Creek waters inundated Mingli Village (明利村) in Wanrong Township (萬榮鄉) with mudflows burying homes. Village chief Lin Wancheng (林萬成) reported no casualties despite the sudden flooding. Lin noted that flooding occurred one hour after dyke inspection due to an unsealed breach.
Three households remain inundated by mudslides, with silt reaching a height of one meter (3.3 feet). The Central Weather Administration, Taiwan's meteorological agency, reported Fung-wong weakened to tropical storm status. The storm shifted south with a 90% chance of affecting the Taitung, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Chiayi, and Tainan regions. ◼
>>> For comprehensive weather updates, consult these official meteorological agencies:
- 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.
