Typhoon Haikui reaches Taiwan and thousands of people are evacuated

Domestic flights were canceled and nearly 4,000 people were evacuated as Typhoon Haikui slammed into southeastern Taiwan on Sunday, bringing torrential rain and strong winds.

Haikui made landfall in the mountainous, sparsely populated southeast corner of Taiwan mid-afternoon Sunday, the first typhoon to directly hit Taiwan in four years.

Counties and cities in the region canceled classes and declared a day off for workers.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told a meeting of disaster management officials that people should avoid going out and not climb mountains, shoreline, fish or do water sports, according to a statement from her office.

The fire department said two people were slightly injured when a tree fell on a truck in eastern Hualien County.

There were a few other reports of damage.

In the capital, Taipei, there was only sporadic rain.

Waves break in Yilan, Taiwan, as Typhoon Haikui made landfall in the eastern part of the country on September 3, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
Passengers wait at an intersection in heavy rain as Typhoon Haikui approached Taiwan on September 2, 2023. Commuters wait at an intersection in heavy rain as Typhoon Haikui approaches Taiwan on September 2, 2023. AP
A woman struggles with an umbrella as the Haikui wind causes chaos in Taiwan.A woman struggles with an umbrella as Haikui wind causes chaos in Taiwan.REUTERS

Haikui is a much weaker storm than Typhoon Saola that hit Hong Kong and southern China’s Guangdong province on Saturday.

Taiwan’s government said 3,729 people had been evacuated, mainly in the south and east.

Taiwanese airlines canceled all domestic flights on Sunday, while ferry services to surrounding islands were also suspended.

There were fewer disruptions to international flights, with only 41 canceled for Sunday, the Civil Aeronautics Administration said.

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Two children walk through a flooded street in Manila on August 31, after Typhoon Saola hit the city.Two children walk through a flooded street in Manilla, Philippines, on August 31, after Typhoon Saola hit the city. FRANCIS R MALASIG/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The military has mobilized soldiers and equipment to assist with evacuation and flood relief efforts.

After crossing southern Taiwan, Haikui is expected to enter the Taiwan Strait and head towards China.

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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