Typhoon Haikui hits Taiwan; thousands evacuated, flights disrupted

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【Summary】Typhoon Haikui has hit southeastern Taiwan, causing the evacuation of over 3,700 people and the cancellation of domestic flights. The storm made landfall in the sparsely populated region, prompting local authorities to cancel classes and declare a day off for workers. Taiwan's President has urged people to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas and water activities. While there have been minimal reports of damage, the military has been mobilized to assist with evacuation and flood relief efforts.

FutureCar Staff Sep 04, 2023 12:26 AM PT

Typhoon Haikui hits Taiwan; thousands evacuated, flights disrupted

Typhoon Haikui wreaked havoc in southeastern Taiwan on Sunday, leading to the cancellation of domestic flights and the evacuation of nearly 4,000 people. The typhoon made landfall in the sparsely populated far southeast of Taiwan, marking the first direct hit by a typhoon in four years. As a result, counties and cities in the region suspended classes and declared a day off for workers.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, in a meeting with disaster management officials, urged people to stay indoors and avoid activities such as going up mountains, visiting the coast, fishing, or engaging in water sports. The fire department reported that two people sustained minor injuries when a tree fell on a truck in the eastern county of Hualien, but there were no other significant damage reports. In the capital city of Taipei, rain showers were sporadic.

Compared to Typhoon Saola, which struck Hong Kong and the southern Chinese province of Guangdong on Saturday, Haikui is a much weaker storm. The Taiwanese government revealed that a total of 3,729 individuals had been evacuated, primarily in the south and east. In addition to domestic flight cancellations, ferry services to surrounding islands were also suspended. However, international flights experienced less disruption, with only 41 cancellations reported for Sunday, according to the Civil Aeronautics Administration.

In response to the situation, the military has mobilized soldiers and equipment to assist with flood relief and evacuation efforts. After crossing southern Taiwan, Haikui is expected to enter the Taiwan Strait and head towards China.