Potential Typhoon "Fengshen" Threatens Eastern Taiwan with Heavy Rainfall; Evacuations Possible

A tropical disturbance near Guam may develop into Typhoon Fengshen, bringing significant rain to Taiwan's east coast this weekend. Authorities are prepared for mandatory evacuations if rainfall exceeds critical levels, especially in areas still recov

A tropical disturbance, currently designated 96W and located near Guam, has the potential to strengthen into the 24th typhoon of the year, named "Fengshen." This system is expected to approach Taiwan over the weekend.

On the 14th, the Central Emergency Operation Center announced that over the next two to three days, as the tropical system gradually develops, eastern Taiwan may experience heavy or localized torrential rainfall on the 19th and 20th. Considering the ongoing search, rescue, and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Matanxi River disaster, the center stated that if rainfall exceeds warning thresholds, local governments will be instructed to implement mandatory evacuations.

Wu Tang-an, Deputy Commander of the Central Emergency Operation Center and Administrative Deputy Minister of the Interior, stated on the 14th that according to data from the Central Weather Administration, the tropical system in the waters east of the Philippines is expected to develop. It may pass through the Bashi Channel between the south of Taiwan and Luzon, Philippines, on the 19th and 20th. This could lead to heavy or localized torrential rainfall in eastern Taiwan.

Given that search and rescue operations and recovery efforts are still underway following the Matanxi River disaster, the central government will issue warnings if rainfall exceeds warning standards. Local authorities will then be directed to carry out mandatory evacuations. The evacuation plan is the statutory responsibility of the Hualien County Government, which has been urged to finalize its plan promptly and conduct actual evacuation drills based on the current typhoon scenario.