Typhoon Doksuri Uproots Beloved Trees at Taiwan's "Railway Pink Trumpet Tree" Scenic Spot

Strong winds and heavy rains from Typhoon Doksuri cause significant damage to a popular tourist attraction in Changhua, Taiwan, leaving locals heartbroken.

The recent passage of Typhoon Doksuri brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to Taiwan, causing damage in several areas. While Changhua County did not report major widespread destruction, the storm's impact was felt at the well-known "Railway Pink Trumpet Tree" scenic spot in Ershui Township. Six of the beloved pink trumpet trees, a major draw for visitors each spring, were uprooted by the severe weather. Additionally, seven roadside trees along Yuanji Road collapsed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of these incidents.

As dawn broke, local officials and engineering teams were quickly dispatched to the affected site. The uprooted trees, which typically create a stunning pink floral display alongside the railway tracks, have left the community saddened. A local village chief expressed the sentiment, stating, "These trees are like our family, and we must do everything we can to save them!"

The railway line in Ershui is home to approximately 60 pink trumpet trees. During their blooming season in March and April, the vibrant pink blossoms combined with passing trains create a picturesque scene, making it a favored location for photographers. The typhoon's force resulted in the uprooting of about ten percent of these trees.

The village chief recalled a similar, more severe incident from the previous year, when three consecutive typhoons caused even greater damage, leading to 17 trees falling. Despite that, a professional team managed to revive all the fallen trees. While the current damage is less extensive, the team is taking immediate action to rescue the affected trees.

Beyond the tourist attraction, the Yuanji Road, a crucial route connecting Ershui in Changhua and Mingjian in Nantou, also experienced damage with seven roadside trees falling. The chief lamented the road's vulnerability to storms, noting that even though the typhoon's intensity was not as extreme as anticipated, several trees still succumbed to the wind.

Relevant authorities have cordoned off sections of the affected road for cleanup operations. By midday, the main thoroughfares were cleared. The chief also issued a reminder to drivers, particularly those traveling on mountain roads, to exercise caution due to the potential for falling rocks or debris following the typhoon.