Taiwan is preparing for the potential impacts of Typhoon Chanthu, which is moving towards the island and has recently weakened slightly. Almost all businesses, shops, and schools have been closed during this time.
Evacuations and Preparations
More than 1,300 people have been forced to evacuate to higher areas due to the dangers posed by the storm, and hundreds of flights across the region have been canceled according to the Ministry of Transportation. So far, one person has lost their life due to drowning, and dozens of others have been injured.
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Safety Measures and Forecasts
Locals were busy on Friday installing sandbags and metal barriers in front of doors and windows to prevent flooding. Officials have also positioned inflatable boats and amphibious vehicles at various points on the island to assist with rescue operations. In the capital, Taipei, public transport continues to operate at reduced capacity.
The Central Weather Administration of Taiwan has announced that Chanthu is currently located about 220 kilometers (137 miles) east of the island's southern coast. The storm is expected to pass northeast of Taiwan and move north towards China, eventually heading south towards Japan. However, forecasters have warned that any deviation from the current path could mean a direct hit on Taiwan.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, large waves, and strong winds to Taiwan on Friday and Saturday. Military forces are on standby to assist with rescue operations. Liu Kuo-Chen, director of CWA, told reporters, "As the storm approaches the northeastern tip of Taiwan, it may slow down. If this happens, its impact will be prolonged."
Forecasters say that the storm's radius is currently about 320 kilometers, which is wide enough to cover most of the island. Typhoon Chanthu has reached "super typhoon" status due to the very strong El Niño being experienced this year. Although Chanthu has weakened slightly, it still has winds of about 190 kilometers per hour.
This El Niño event, which the United Nations described on Wednesday as "off the charts," is expected to peak in December. Its effects may last for years, and the United Nations has urged Pacific Rim countries to prepare for the worst conditions.
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