Recently, more than 3,000 people have been evacuated in Taiwan ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Fung-Wong, which has already left at least 25 dead and 1.4 million displaced in the Philippines. Authorities have issued land and sea warnings, canceled flights, and closed schools as a preventive measure while the system approaches from the southwest.
Although the storm was downgraded to a tropical storm, it is expected to make landfall on Wednesday along the island’s southwestern coast, in the Kaohsiung region and Pingtung County, with sustained winds of up to 108 kilometers per hour and gusts that could reach 137 kilometers per hour.
Why are people in Taiwan evacuating so urgently?
Because the Fung-Wong system has already caused severe damage in the Philippines, demonstrating its ability to trigger flooding, landslides, and displace large populations. In Taiwan, the combination of heavy rainfall and mountainous terrain significantly increases the risk of natural disasters.
This situation highlights not only the vulnerability of island regions to extreme weather events, but also the importance of rapid and coordinated responses to protect human lives.