Taiwan Prepares for Typhoon Saudel
Taiwan is bracing for Typhoon Saudel as torrential rains lash southern regions.
Typhoon Saudel is currently moving towards the Okinawa region in southern Japan, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration. The typhoon is expected to pass by the northern part of Taiwan on Friday before it reaches the eastern coast of China.
A low-pressure system has developed over southern Taiwan in recent days, causing heavy rains that have led to flooding. Taiwan Railway has announced disruptions along the main east coast line, as well as on services to and from Kaohsiung and Taitung. Express services have been cancelled, while local train operations will depend on weather conditions.
The local governments of Kaohsiung and Tainan, which are home to more than four million people, have ordered schools and offices to remain closed. Similar closures were announced in Pingtung and Chiayi counties, as well as the mountainous eastern counties of Taitung and Hualien, according to Reuters.
The Kaohsiung government has warned that cumulative rainfall over the five-day period affected by the low-pressure system is expected to exceed 1.3 metres (4.3 feet), nearly half the amount of rain the city typically receives in an entire year.
Taitung county chief April Yao has urged residents to stay indoors, writing on Facebook: "If you've got nothing on, for goodness sake don't go out."
Saudel is expected to enter the Philippines on Monday, where it will remain over the Philippine Sea and may develop into a super typhoon before its exit on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Meanwhile, heavy flooding caused by Typhoon Narra across China's southwestern Guangxi region has forced tens of thousands of people to relocate, amid forecasters warning of more rainfall in the coming days.
Taiwan's residents are advised to check the latest weather updates and follow evacuation orders from local authorities. The public can also refer to Taiwan's weather forecast on fixtures for the latest information on Typhoon Saudel.
Weather Disruptions
Evacuation Orders
The local governments of Kaohsiung and Tainan have ordered schools and offices to remain closed, while similar closures were announced in Pingtung and Chiayi counties, as well as the mountainous eastern counties of Taitung and Hualien.
Rainfall Forecast
The Kaohsiung government has warned that cumulative rainfall over the five-day period affected by the low-pressure system is expected to exceed 1.3 metres (4.3 feet), nearly half the amount of rain the city typically receives in an entire year.
Typhoon Saudel's Path
Typhoon Saudel is expected to enter the Philippines on Monday and remain over the Philippine Sea before its exit on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
The heavy flooding caused by Typhoon Narra across China's southwestern Guangxi region has forced tens of thousands of people to relocate, amid forecasters warning of more rainfall in the coming days.
Taiwan's residents are advised to stay indoors and follow evacuation orders from local authorities.
