As Typhoon Bavi moves closer to Taiwan, New Taipei City has initiated precautionary evacuations in various mountainous areas to mitigate the risk of heavy rainfall and potential landslides. Mayor Hou You-yi has instructed officials to evacuate residents in high-risk zones, with a particular focus on Wulai District. Authorities in the region estimate a more than 90% likelihood of landslides occurring. To ensure safety, the evacuation process is mandated to be completed by 6 p.m.
Weather experts predict that the mountainous regions and the northern coast of New Taipei could receive over 500 mm of rain through Saturday. This forecast has prompted several districts, including Sanxia, Pinglin, Shiding, Xindian, Xizhi, and Shenkeng, to be placed on high alert for landslides. The local government is taking these preemptive measures to protect residents and minimize the impact of the approaching storm.
By Thursday afternoon, Typhoon Bavi was positioned approximately 650 km east of Taiwan’s southernmost point, with maximum sustained winds reaching 162 km/h. The typhoon’s path and intensity have raised concerns among officials, leading to the swift implementation of safety protocols in vulnerable areas.
Residents in the affected zones are being urged by authorities to stay vigilant and adhere strictly to evacuation orders and safety guidelines. The looming threat of significant weather disturbances underscores the importance of community preparedness as the typhoon advances. Local agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to respond as needed to ensure public safety.