The Central Emergency Operations Center reported one death and 42 injuries as of Thursday evening. Weakened to a moderate typhoon, Chanpi is due closest on the early hours of Oct. 24, and landfall has not been ruled out.
United Daily News reported that Typhoon Chanpi (薔琵) weakened from a strong to a moderate typhoon at 5 p.m. on Oct. 22, but its Level 7 wind radius widened to about 320 km, putting the whole island inside the storm circle. The Central Weather Administration expects the worst impact from Oct. 23 to the morning of Oct. 24. The storm has not made landfall, though forecasters say landfall cannot be ruled out.
광고 문의 · 300×250According to a report citing the Central Emergency Operations Center, one person has died: a man surnamed Lin was swept away by waves at Meiren Cave beach in Liuqiu Township, Pingtung, on the morning of Oct. 22 and died after being taken to hospital. Forty-two people were injured, including two Vietnamese nationals in Miaoli County; the rest are Taiwanese.
Closures in 20 counties and cities, and evacuations
On Oct. 23 offices and schools are closed in 20 counties and cities: Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu City and County, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi City and County, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Yilan, Hualien, Penghu and Lienchiang. Lanyu and Green Island townships in Taitung County are also closed, leaving Kinmen as the only area operating normally. Taipei announced its closure at 8 p.m. on Oct. 22, based on the weather forecast and a consensus among Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan.
As of 7 p.m. on Oct. 22, 1,165 people had been evacuated as a precaution in New Taipei, Taoyuan, Yilan, Hualien and Nantou, including 113 residents near the Wanli Creek barrier lake in Hualien. Seven shelters in New Taipei, Yilan, Taoyuan and Hualien were housing 71 people.
Closest approach early Oct. 24; heavy rain feared in north and mountains
The same report, citing the weather administration, says heavy rain is expected in the north, northeast and north-central mountains, where totals could reach 600 to 900 mm. Gusts of Level 12 or higher are possible along the northern coast, in Yilan, along the central coast, on Lanyu and Green Island, and on the Hengchun Peninsula. Waves of 13.8 meters have already been recorded off the southeast, and low-lying coasts face seawater backflow and flooding.
The closest approach is forecast for around 2 a.m. on Oct. 24. The storm is turning north, so its track could change which areas are hit hardest. The reports reviewed gave no concrete figures on rail, air or sea service suspensions, so this article does not cover them.
Authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary trips, stay away from the shore to watch waves, and watch hillsides and low-lying areas. Where yesterday's coverage dealt with pre-arrival incidents such as the crane accident at Suao Port, this report focuses on actual damage and closures. Figures may change as tallies are updated.
