Tropical Storm Haikui Strikes Taiwan, Causing Severe Disruption and Evacuations

Tropical Storm Haikui Strikes Taiwan, Causing Severe Disruption and Evacuations

On October 6, 2024, Tropical Storm Haikui made landfall in Taiwan, bringing with it destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and widespread disruption. The storm has caused significant flooding, power outages, and damage to infrastructure across the island. With winds reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), the storm wreaked havoc on both urban and rural areas. Authorities have ordered mass evacuations, particularly in low-lying and coastal regions, and have warned citizens to prepare for further impacts in the coming days as Haikui continues to move across the island.

This is the first major storm of the season to hit Taiwan, a country that frequently experiences typhoons and tropical storms due to its geographical location. However, the intensity of Tropical Storm Haikui and the heavy rainfall it has brought with it have been particularly concerning. Weather experts warn that the storm could dump up to 500 millimeters (nearly 20 inches) of rain in some areas, raising fears of landslides, flash floods, and further damage to Taiwan’s infrastructure.

Storm Impact: Damage, Disruption, and Response

Tropical Storm Haikui began affecting Taiwan late on October 5, with wind speeds gradually increasing throughout the night. By the early hours of October 6, it made landfall, unleashing its full force on the island. Cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Tainan bore the brunt of the storm, with major disruptions reported in transportation, power supply, and telecommunications.

Thousands of homes and businesses lost power as the storm uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and caused localized flooding. Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) reported that over 500,000 households were without electricity as of the morning of October 6. The utility provider dispatched emergency crews to begin repairs, but the continuing heavy rain and strong winds have made it difficult to restore power to all affected areas quickly. Residents in rural and mountainous regions have been particularly hard-hit, as roads have been blocked by debris and flooding, hampering relief efforts.

In Taipei, the capital city, streets were flooded as the storm’s downpour overwhelmed drainage systems. Major roads, including several highways, were either closed or severely disrupted due to flooding and landslides. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to clear debris and assist residents stranded in flooded areas. Schools and businesses have been closed across the island, and government offices have suspended operations as a precautionary measure.

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Authorities also issued warnings for people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, as conditions on the roads remained hazardous. Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau issued the highest-level alert for several counties in the central and southern regions, where rainfall is expected to be most intense. Taiwan’s Disaster Prevention and Rescue Center has been activated, and rescue operations are in full force, with military personnel assisting in evacuation efforts.

Evacuations and Rescue Efforts

Evacuations have been underway since October 5 in preparation for the storm’s landfall. Over 50,000 residents were evacuated from low-lying and coastal areas, particularly in southern and eastern Taiwan, where the storm’s impact is expected to be greatest. In these areas, authorities have established temporary shelters to accommodate evacuees, providing food, water, and medical care for those affected by the storm.

In addition to coastal communities, many residents in the island’s mountainous regions have been evacuated due to concerns about landslides. Taiwan is highly susceptible to landslides, especially during storms, due to its mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall. Authorities have been monitoring several high-risk areas and have preemptively evacuated residents in order to avoid potential casualties.

In several instances, emergency teams have been called in to rescue people stranded by rising floodwaters. In Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, rescue workers have been using boats to reach people trapped in their homes by rapidly rising water levels. Emergency services reported that they have responded to hundreds of calls for assistance, and more resources are being mobilized as the storm progresses.

Transportation Disruptions: Flights and Railways Affected

Tropical Storm Haikui has severely disrupted transportation across Taiwan. Taiwan’s major airports, including Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei and Kaohsiung International Airport, have been forced to cancel or delay hundreds of flights. Many airlines have preemptively suspended services in and out of the country as the storm approached. Domestic flights have also been affected, with several smaller airports closed due to flooding and safety concerns.

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The storm has also impacted Taiwan’s railway system, with several high-speed train services suspended due to flooding on the tracks and safety concerns. The Taiwan Railways Administration has announced that all services on its western and eastern routes are temporarily suspended, stranding thousands of passengers. Bus services across the island have also been disrupted, with many operators suspending services until the weather improves.

Public transportation in cities such as Taipei has been running on a limited schedule, with authorities advising residents to stay off the roads as much as possible. The storm has caused massive traffic jams in some areas, particularly as people tried to evacuate or seek shelter. In some cases, roads have been completely washed out by the heavy rains, making travel impossible in certain regions.

Economic Impact: Agriculture and Industry at Risk

The economic impact of Tropical Storm Haikui is expected to be significant, particularly in the agriculture sector. Taiwan’s agricultural industry is often hard-hit by typhoons and tropical storms, as the heavy rains and strong winds can cause widespread damage to crops. Early reports suggest that rice, fruit, and vegetable farms in the southern and central regions have already sustained considerable damage. Farmers are concerned about the long-term effects of the storm, particularly if fields remain flooded for an extended period of time, which could lead to crop failures.

Taiwan’s fishing industry is also likely to be impacted, as the storm has forced fishing vessels to remain in port. Fishing communities along the coast have been evacuated, and it may take several days or even weeks for them to resume normal operations. Taiwan’s government is already planning to provide financial assistance to affected farmers and fishers in the aftermath of the storm.

In addition to agriculture, Taiwan’s manufacturing industry could also be affected. Taiwan is a global leader in electronics and semiconductor production, and many factories and industrial parks are located in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. While major factories have implemented contingency plans to minimize disruption, there are concerns that prolonged power outages or infrastructure damage could impact production in the short term.

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International and Domestic Response

The international community has been quick to express solidarity with Taiwan as it faces the impact of Tropical Storm Haikui. Countries in the region, such as Japan and South Korea, have offered assistance, including emergency supplies and personnel to aid in relief efforts if necessary. Taiwan’s neighbors are also monitoring the storm closely, as there is a possibility that Haikui could affect other parts of East Asia in the coming days.

Domestically, Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen, addressed the nation on the morning of October 6, urging citizens to remain calm and follow the instructions of local authorities. The president assured the public that the government is fully prepared to deal with the storm and has mobilized all necessary resources to ensure the safety of residents. Tsai also expressed her gratitude to the emergency services personnel, military, and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to respond to the crisis.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Rebuilding

As Tropical Storm Haikui continues to move across Taiwan, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. However, it is already evident that the storm will leave a lasting impact on many communities across the island. Taiwan has a strong track record of recovering from natural disasters, thanks in part to its well-organized disaster response systems and the resilience of its people. Nonetheless, the days and weeks ahead will be challenging as the country begins the process of recovery and rebuilding.

For many Taiwanese, the immediate concern is the continued threat of flooding and landslides as the storm’s heavy rains persist. Authorities have warned that even after the storm passes, the risk of additional flooding and landslides will remain high, especially in areas where the ground has been saturated by rainfall.

In the long term, the government will likely invest in infrastructure improvements to better withstand future storms, particularly as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region. Taiwan’s experience with Tropical Storm Haikui is a reminder of the island’s vulnerability to natural disasters, but also of its resilience in the face of adversity.