As Typhoon Bavi nears Taiwan, New Taipei City has initiated precautionary evacuations in several mountainous areas to mitigate the risk of heavy rainfall and potential landslides. Mayor Hou You-yi has instructed officials to evacuate residents from high-risk zones, focusing particularly on Wulai District, where the likelihood of landslides is estimated to exceed 90%. The evacuation process is to be completed by 6 p.m.
Weather forecasts predict that mountainous regions and the northern coast of New Taipei could receive over 500 mm of rain through Saturday. Consequently, landslide alerts have been issued for additional districts, including Sanxia, Pinglin, Shiding, Xindian, Xizhi, and Shenkeng.
As of Thursday afternoon, Typhoon Bavi was positioned approximately 650 km east of Taiwan’s southernmost point, with maximum sustained winds of 162 km/h. Authorities are strongly advising residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and adhere to evacuation and safety guidelines.
The city’s proactive measures highlight the urgency of the situation as officials work to ensure the safety of those in vulnerable locations. With the typhoon’s approach, the emphasis remains on prompt and effective evacuations to prevent potential disasters and safeguard lives.