Typhoon Saola has begun its approach towards the southern tip of Taiwan, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds that have caused travel disruptions and led to precautionary measures. While not anticipated to make a direct landfall on the island, Taiwan issued both land and sea warnings for the approaching typhoon. These warnings prompted the cancellation of ferry services and flights to various offshore islands and the city of Taitung in the southeast.
The region expected to experience the most intense rainfall is the mountainous and less densely populated areas of Pingtung county in the southern part of the island. As a safety measure, classes and work have been suspended in certain townships in these regions, as well as along Taiwan’s east coast.
Following its passage through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, Typhoon Saola is forecasted to head towards southern China’s Guangdong province and Hong Kong, according to the Tropical Storm Risk website.
China has taken precautionary steps by instructing fishing boats to return to ports along the southeastern coast due to the presence of gale force winds and gusts across the South China Sea. In the Philippines, nearly 25,000 individuals have been relocated to safer areas in anticipation of the typhoon’s arrival. The Philippines has canceled flights and closed schools in response to the approaching typhoon.
The heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Saola has exacerbated the impact of the southwest monsoon, affecting tens of thousands of people in multiple provinces in the Philippines. The country’s disaster management agency reported significant impact. The Philippines also raised the third-highest wind signal over its northeastern islands, warning of strong winds and potential power disruptions.
As the typhoon continues its course, authorities in the affected regions are taking steps to ensure the safety of residents and minimize damage from the impending weather conditions.
