Typhoon Podul roared into southern Taiwan on Wednesday, unleashing destructive winds, torrential rain, and widespread disruption. Authorities confirmed one person missing and at least 33 injured as the storm carved a path through coastal and mountainous areas.
The typhoon made landfall near Taitung around 1 p.m. local time, packing sustained winds of up to 191 km/h (118 mph). The government ordered the suspension of work and classes in nine cities and counties, including Kaohsiung and Tainan, and evacuated more than 5,500 residents many still recovering from last month’s devastating typhoon.
Air travel ground to a halt, with 252 domestic and 129 international flights canceled, primarily out of Kaohsiung and Taoyuan airports. Businesses, schools, and public services across the south shut down, while emergency shelters were opened to house evacuees.
Meteorologists warned of extreme rainfall, forecasting up to 600 millimeters in the southern mountains, raising the risk of severe flooding and landslides. Some regions have already received a year’s worth of rain in recent weeks.
In Taipei, strong winds rattled the capital, but major infrastructure, including the main airport, continued operating with minimal disruption.
President Lai Ching-te urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid coastal areas, and follow evacuation orders as the storm system slowly moves across the island. Relief teams are on standby for post-storm recovery efforts.
