As Typhoon Bavi draws near, New Taipei City has initiated precautionary evacuations in several mountainous regions to mitigate the risks posed by potential heavy rainfall and landslides. The city’s mayor, Hou You-yi, has instructed local authorities to evacuate residents from high-risk areas, focusing particularly on Wulai District. This area faces a landslide probability exceeding 90%, prompting officials to mandate that evacuations be finished by 6 p.m.
Weather forecasts indicate that the mountainous areas and northern coastal regions of New Taipei could see over 500 mm of rain through Saturday. In light of these predictions, several districts, including Sanxia, Pinglin, Shiding, Xindian, Xizhi, and Shenkeng, have been placed under landslide warnings. Residents in these areas are being urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety and evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.
As of Thursday afternoon, Typhoon Bavi was positioned approximately 650 km east of Taiwan’s southernmost point, carrying maximum sustained winds of 162 km/h. The approaching storm has heightened concerns about severe weather impacts, urging communities to prepare accordingly and prioritize safety.
Officials emphasize the importance of staying informed and following guidance from emergency services to ensure personal safety. The proactive evacuation measures reflect the city’s commitment to reducing potential harm as Typhoon Bavi approaches the island, bringing threats of intense rainfall and landslides.