TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan is on high alert as Typhoon Koinu approaches, bringing with it the threat of strong winds and heavy downpours. As the island braces for the impact, precautionary measures have been taken, including flight cancellations and school closures on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, at least 93 flights were cancelled across various airports in Taiwan, as reported by the Civil Aviation Administration. Additionally, the Maritime and Port Bureau stated that 96 ferry trips had been cancelled, disrupting travel plans.
Meteorologists predict that Typhoon Koinu may make landfall in the southeastern part of Taiwan either overnight on Wednesday or Thursday morning. Currently, rain from the periphery of the typhoon is falling in northern and eastern Taiwan, with expectations of intensifying on the eastern coast and in the southern regions later in the day.
Anticipating severe weather conditions, Taiwan’s outlying islands, including Penghu, Orchid, and Green islands, have announced closures of schools and offices. Moreover, parts of the southern Pingtung county have also declared closures in response to the approaching typhoon.
As of Wednesday morning, Typhoon Koinu was moving westward toward Taiwan, boasting maximum sustained winds of 155 kph (96 mph) and gusts of 191 kph (119 mph), according to Taiwan’s Weather Bureau. China’s National Meteorological Center has maintained a yellow alert, indicating the third most severe level, for Typhoon Koinu.
In preparation for the typhoon, Chinese forecasters have predicted strong winds in the coastal areas of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. Consequently, ferry services have been suspended, and fishing boats have been called to port to ensure safety during this challenging weather period. The region remains on high alert as both Taiwan and neighbouring areas brace themselves for the impending impact of Typhoon Koinu.
