In anticipation of Typhoon Bavi’s approach, New Taipei City has initiated precautionary evacuations in several mountainous regions due to the heightened risk of heavy rainfall and potential landslides. Mayor Hou You-yi has instructed local authorities to prioritize the evacuation of residents in high-risk zones, with a particular focus on Wulai District, where the likelihood of landslides is estimated to exceed 90%. The deadline for completing these evacuations has been set for 6 p.m.
The storm is expected to bring over 500 mm of rain to the mountainous areas and the northern coastal regions of New Taipei through Saturday. Landslide alerts have been issued for additional districts, including Sanxia, Pinglin, Shiding, Xindian, Xizhi, and Shenkeng, as a precautionary measure.
On Thursday afternoon, Typhoon Bavi was positioned approximately 650 kilometers east of Taiwan’s southern tip. The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 162 kilometers per hour, prompting authorities to urge residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and adhere to evacuation and safety guidelines.
The city’s proactive approach underscores the serious nature of the threat posed by the typhoon, with officials taking no chances in ensuring the safety of residents in vulnerable locations. Authorities are keenly focused on minimizing the impact of the storm, especially in areas with a high propensity for landslides.