Taiwan Evacuates 8300+, Shuts Schools Ahead Of Fun-Wong; Coastal Cities Under Alert | Watch
Taiwan Evacuates Over 8,300 Residents and Closes Schools as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong Approaches
As Tropical Storm Fung-Wong edges closer to Taiwan’s southern coastline, authorities have issued widespread alerts, ordered evacuations, and shuttered schools and businesses across multiple regions. The storm, which had earlier wreaked havoc in the Philippines as a super typhoon, has left a trail of devastation in its wake — including severe flooding, landslides, power outages, and the tragic loss of at least 27 lives. Although it has weakened to tropical storm intensity, meteorologists warn that Fung-Wong still poses a significant threat to Taiwan, bringing with it powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and the potential for catastrophic flooding in low-lying and mountainous areas.
A Nation on Alert
By Wednesday morning, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) confirmed that more than 8,300 residents had been evacuated from vulnerable coastal and mountainous communities. The government emphasized that while Fung-Wong was no longer classified as a typhoon, its wide circulation and moisture-rich structure could still trigger destructive weather conditions across much of the island.
Local authorities have declared class and work suspensions in at least eight counties and cities, including Pingtung, Taitung, Kaohsiung, and Hualien, where forecasts predict the heaviest downpours. Emergency shelters have been opened, sandbags distributed, and military units placed on standby to support relief operations. The Ministry of Education confirmed the closure of hundreds of schools in southern and eastern Taiwan, prioritizing public safety as rainfall totals continue to climb.
The CWA’s most recent update indicated that Fung-Wong’s center was located roughly 250 kilometers southeast of Taitung, moving northwest at a steady pace of around 20 kilometers per hour. Sustained winds near the center were measured at 90 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 120 kilometers per hour. Although the system has weakened significantly since leaving the Philippines, its interaction with Taiwan’s steep terrain raises the risk of flash floods, rockslides, and infrastructure damage.
Echoes of Past Storms
For many Taiwanese, the approach of Fung-Wong has revived memories of previous deadly storms, such as Typhoon Morakot (2009), which caused catastrophic flooding and landslides that claimed more than 600 lives. Taiwan’s geographical position — located in the western Pacific’s “typhoon corridor” — makes it particularly susceptible to tropical cyclones each year between June and November. Even downgraded storms can unleash severe rainfall, especially when they slow down or interact with the island’s rugged topography.
Experts at the National Center for Disaster Reduction have stressed the importance of early evacuation and preparedness. “Even though Fung-Wong is no longer a super typhoon, its outer rainbands still contain tremendous energy,” said Dr. Lee Kuan-Ying, a senior meteorologist with the center. “People must not underestimate the potential for flooding and landslides, particularly in southern and eastern Taiwan.”
The Path of Destruction in the Philippines
Before approaching Taiwan, Fung-Wong had carved a devastating path through the Philippines, where it made landfall earlier in the week as a Category 4 super typhoon. The storm pounded the islands of Luzon and Samar, submerging entire villages, toppling power lines, and cutting off communication across multiple provinces. Officials from the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed at least 27 fatalities and dozens of injuries, with several communities still unreachable due to damaged bridges and washed-out roads.
More than 150,000 residents were displaced in the Philippines, with emergency teams working around the clock to provide food, medical aid, and temporary shelter. Satellite imagery released by NASA’s Earth Observatory revealed vast areas of flooding across central Luzon, while local meteorological agencies recorded rainfall accumulations exceeding 600 millimeters in just 48 hours.
By the time Fung-Wong exited Philippine territory, it had weakened to tropical storm strength but continued to carry a massive envelope of convection — a meteorological term describing its sprawling cloud and rainfall pattern. This structure allows the storm to sustain heavy precipitation even as wind speeds decrease, a pattern now being closely monitored as it approaches Taiwan.
Evacuation Efforts and Emergency Preparedness
Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that evacuation efforts began early Tuesday evening as forecasts grew increasingly severe. Most of the evacuees came from coastal fishing villages and mountainous aboriginal communities in Pingtung and Taitung Counties, areas historically prone to flooding and mudslides. Residents were transported to government-designated shelters equipped with food, bedding, and medical supplies.
Local governments have also coordinated with the National Fire Agency and armed forces to pre-position rescue equipment such as amphibious vehicles, inflatable boats, and drones for aerial reconnaissance. “Our goal is to ensure zero casualties,” said Interior Minister Lin Yu-Ching. “We’ve learned from past disasters that early action saves lives.”
Taiwan’s power utility company, Taipower, has reinforced its grid infrastructure, deploying emergency repair teams and mobile generators to ensure rapid restoration in case of power cuts. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Water Resources Agency has issued flood warnings for several river basins, including the Gaoping, Zengwen, and Donggang Rivers, which are expected to swell rapidly under heavy rain.
Transportation Disruptions Across the Island
Transportation networks across Taiwan have been heavily affected as Fung-Wong approaches. The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) has suspended several routes in the south and east, particularly the South-Link Line connecting Taitung and Pingtung. The High Speed Rail Corporation has reduced train frequencies on southern segments due to safety concerns, while numerous domestic flights have been canceled or delayed, especially those serving outlying islands such as Green Island and Lanyu.
Ports along Taiwan’s southern coast have also been temporarily closed, halting fishing and cargo operations. The Coast Guard Administration has deployed additional patrol boats to monitor maritime safety and assist vessels that may be caught in deteriorating sea conditions. Meteorologists warn that wave heights could reach five to seven meters off Taiwan’s east coast, posing significant risks to maritime operations.
Power, Communication, and Infrastructure Challenges
As the outer rainbands of Fung-Wong began sweeping across southern Taiwan, local power outages were reported in Kaohsiung, Taitung, and Pingtung, affecting roughly 12,000 households. Repair crews have been dispatched, but authorities warn that restoration may take time if conditions worsen. In mountainous regions, communication lines remain fragile, with some towns relying on satellite phones to maintain contact with emergency coordinators.
Road closures have already been reported along Provincial Highway 9 and several local routes due to fallen trees and small landslides. The Highway Bureau has advised motorists to avoid travel in affected areas until authorities declare them safe. “We expect the heaviest rainfall between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning,” said CWA spokesperson Chen Mei-Lin. “That’s when the storm’s center will pass closest to Taiwan, bringing its strongest winds and rainfall.”
Meteorological Analysis: The Science Behind Fung-Wong
Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, known locally as Bagyong Fung-Wong in the Philippines, developed from a low-pressure system east of the Philippine Sea late last week. As it moved west-northwest, it rapidly intensified due to favorable conditions — warm sea surface temperatures above 29°C and minimal wind shear. At its peak, Fung-Wong sustained winds exceeding 210 kilometers per hour, making it one of the strongest cyclones to hit the region this year.
Meteorologists note that the storm’s current weakening is primarily the result of land interaction and dry air intrusion. However, despite reduced wind speeds, the storm’s massive circulation and slow forward motion have enhanced its rainfall potential. “The danger with systems like Fung-Wong is not just wind damage, but prolonged, heavy rain that saturates the ground and triggers secondary disasters,” explained Dr. Huang Wen-Sheng of the Taiwan Typhoon Research Center.
Satellite data from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) shows that Fung-Wong’s moisture field extends nearly 800 kilometers across, covering not only Taiwan but also parts of southern China and the northern Philippines. This wide reach means even areas far from the storm’s center can experience torrential rainfall and gusty winds.
Government Coordination and International Assistance
Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has activated its Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), coordinating efforts among multiple ministries, local governments, and volunteer organizations. The government has also been in contact with the United States, Japan, and the Philippines for potential humanitarian coordination, particularly in sharing satellite data and logistical support.
President Lai Ching-te addressed the nation on Wednesday morning, urging calm and cooperation. “We are taking every measure to safeguard our citizens,” Lai said. “Fung-Wong may test our resilience, but Taiwan stands prepared.” He also expressed condolences to the victims in the Philippines and pledged post-storm assistance once domestic recovery efforts are underway.
Economic and Agricultural Impacts
While it’s too early to assess the full economic toll, analysts predict that Fung-Wong could cause temporary disruptions to Taiwan’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Heavy rain threatens rice paddies, fruit orchards, and aquaculture farms in southern Taiwan, regions already struggling from this year’s volatile weather patterns. Early estimates suggest that agricultural losses could exceed NT$300 million (approximately USD 9 million) if flooding persists.
The export industry may also experience short-term delays, especially in the technology hub of Kaohsiung, where port closures and power fluctuations could impact semiconductor shipments. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has assured that contingency measures are in place to minimize supply chain interruptions.
Insurance companies have begun preparing for an influx of damage claims, particularly for property and crop losses. “The insurance sector has learned hard lessons from previous typhoons,” said industry analyst Ko Tzu-Hsien. “Rapid assessment and early compensation are crucial to help affected families and businesses recover quickly.”
Public Response and Community Resilience
Despite the seriousness of the situation, many Taiwanese citizens have expressed gratitude for the government’s swift and organized response. Supermarkets and gas stations saw short bursts of panic buying on Tuesday, but overall, the public has responded calmly. Social media platforms have been filled with posts offering real-time updates, community resources, and messages of solidarity.
Volunteer organizations, including the Red Cross Society of Taiwan and Tzu Chi Foundation, have mobilized to deliver emergency supplies to shelters and isolated areas. Local radio stations and online networks continue to broadcast evacuation information and safety guidelines in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for Taiwan’s foreign residents and migrant workers.
Climate Context: Rising Intensity of Pacific Storms
The arrival of Fung-Wong also underscores the growing concern over climate change and the intensification of tropical cyclones in the western Pacific. Scientists have long warned that warmer ocean temperatures are fueling stronger and wetter storms. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Pacific basin has experienced a 30% increase in the frequency of severe typhoons over the past two decades.
Dr. Mei-Ling Chou, a climatologist at National Taiwan University, notes that Taiwan must adapt to this “new normal.” “We are entering an era where extreme weather is the rule, not the exception,” she said. “Our infrastructure, agriculture, and emergency systems must evolve accordingly.” Fung-Wong’s vast rain shield, which has stretched across thousands of kilometers, exemplifies how modern storms can disrupt entire regions even after weakening.
The Road Ahead: Post-Storm Recovery and Reflection
As Fung-Wong continues its slow movement toward Taiwan, forecasters expect conditions to deteriorate through late Wednesday and early Thursday before gradually improving by the weekend. Once the storm passes, attention will turn to damage assessment, reconstruction, and long-term mitigation planning.
Taiwan’s government has pledged to review its disaster readiness systems once the immediate crisis subsides. The focus will likely be on landslide monitoring, flood defense infrastructure, and improving early warning communication to remote communities. For many experts, Fung-Wong serves as both a reminder and a warning — that preparedness must remain a constant priority in an era of volatile weather.
Conclusion: Strength Amid the Storm
Tropical Storm Fung-Wong has tested Taiwan’s readiness and resilience, arriving as yet another reminder of the island’s exposure to powerful Pacific weather systems. With more than 8,300 residents evacuated, schools closed, and emergency forces on high alert, Taiwan’s proactive approach reflects lessons learned from decades of typhoon experience. While the storm’s winds may weaken, its heavy rains and unpredictable nature ensure that vigilance must remain high in the days ahead.
As Taiwan braces for the full impact, the solidarity of its people — from government agencies to local volunteers — stands as a testament to the nation’s collective resolve. Once the skies clear and the waters recede, Taiwan will once again demonstrate the strength that has allowed it to endure countless storms: a deep-seated commitment to community, preparedness, and recovery.
