TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Army deployed Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV7兩棲突擊車) and rubber boats Tuesday (Nov. 11) for preventive evacuations as intense flooding inundated Su'ao Township (蘇澳鎮), Yilan County (宜蘭縣). Torrential rains from Tropical Storm Fung-wong (鳳凰) triggered the swift military response in Taiwan's northeastern coastal region.
Firefighters reported water levels on Zhongshan Rd. (中山路) in Su'ao Township reached armored vehicle light height, nearly as tall as a single-story building, submerging nearby homes. Floodwaters elsewhere reached adult waist height, trapping an elderly woman in her home until firefighters rescued her.
Muddy floodwaters submerged vehicles and devastated homes, with water soaking and destroying furniture throughout the affected areas. Tungao (東澳) and Dongshan Township (冬山鄉) recorded rainfall surpassing 700 millimeters (27.6 inches) by 9 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 11), before Tropical Depression Fung-wong made landfall.
Cheng Ming-tien (鄭明典), former director of Central Weather Administration, attributed extensive damage Wednesday (Nov. 12) to Yilan's terrain causing airflow stagnation. He reported hourly rainfall exceeded 100 millimeters (3.9 inches), saturating soil and overwhelming drainage systems. Cheng advised residents to avoid mountain activities due to increased landslide risks. ◼
>>> 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.
