TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tropical Storm Fung-wong (鳳凰) caused severe flooding Tuesday (Nov. 11) in Mingli Village (明利村), Wanrong Township (萬榮鄉), Hualien County (花蓮縣), affecting approximately 31 households. Torrential rains from Tropical Depression Fung-wong and the northeast monsoon caused Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍溪) to overflow at the northern end of its left bank.
The overflowing waters inundated Mingli Village and the Sanhe Rice Seedling Center (三和水稻育苗中心) due to lack of protective embankment. Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) and Water Resources Agency Director Lin Yuan-peng (林元鵬) inspected the site Wednesday (Nov. 12). Magistrate Hsu urged downstream residents to evacuate swiftly due to persistent heavy rainfall.
The Wanrong Township Office reported 58 residents evacuated promptly after the flooding, with 25 sheltering with relatives and 33 at Wanrong Elementary School (萬榮國小) activity center. Director Lin admitted initial assessments underestimated the embankment need, as terrain seemed naturally elevated. He acknowledged the oversight, stating, "This is an actual situation we failed to grasp."
Officials remain on high alert for further developments as the community addresses flooding aftermath. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and prepared for weather condition changes. ◼.
>>> 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.
