As Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan, New Taipei City has initiated precautionary evacuations in several mountainous regions due to the looming threat of intense rainfall and potential landslides. Mayor Hou You-yi has instructed local authorities to ensure the safe evacuation of residents from high-risk areas, with a particular focus on the Wulai District. Officials in Wulai have assessed that the likelihood of landslides exceeds 90%, prompting urgent action to complete evacuations by 6 p.m.
Weather predictions indicate that the typhoon could bring over 500 mm of rain to the mountainous areas and the northern coastline of New Taipei by Saturday. In response, landslide warnings have been issued for several additional districts, including Sanxia, Pinglin, Shiding, Xindian, Xizhi, and Shenkeng, highlighting the widespread nature of the storm’s potential impact.
As of Thursday afternoon, Typhoon Bavi was positioned approximately 650 kilometers east of Taiwan’s southern tip. The storm has been recorded with maximum sustained winds reaching 162 kilometers per hour, underscoring the severity of the approaching weather system.
Authorities are strongly advising residents within the affected zones to stay vigilant and adhere to official evacuation and safety directives. The emphasis remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing risk in anticipation of the typhoon’s arrival.