Taiwan took precautionary measures in response to Typhoon Haikui as it made landfall on Sunday, leading to the suspension of flights, rail transport, ferry services, classes, and outdoor events. The typhoon arrived in Taitung county on the east coast of Taiwan, bringing with it sustained winds of 155 km/h (96 mph) and gusts of 190 km/h (120 mph).
The strong winds and heavy rains resulted in several incidents, including unsecured doors being forced open, uprooted trees, one of which crushed a parked minivan, and localized flooding in low-lying areas. Although no mass evacuations were reported, dozens of individuals sought shelter in school gymnasiums and public meeting halls. While some shops remained open, they did so in part to sell locally grown fruits and vegetables that might have otherwise gone to waste.
Overall, Taiwan appeared to have experienced relatively minimal damage from Typhoon Haikui, and there were no reports of significant casualties.
In addition to Taiwan, Typhoon Haikui also impacted Hong Kong and the coastal regions of mainland China. In Hong Kong, most business, transport, and classes were suspended as a precaution, affecting a wide range of activities. However, by Sunday, many restrictions had been lifted, and most services resumed normal operation.
Taiwan also canceled various events, including a hot air balloon festival, outdoor concerts, art events, and a baseball game. National parks and hazardous mountain roads in the island’s central region were closed as well. After crossing Taiwan, Typhoon Haikui was expected to continue its path toward China, with authorities in the Chinese city of Shantou, Guangdong province, advising residents to take precautions.
Typhoon Haikui came on the heels of Typhoon Saola, which had already disrupted daily life in some Chinese cities, postponed the start of the school year for students, and led to the suspension of trading on Hong Kong’s stock market. The cross-border bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macao, and Zhuhai was temporarily closed, and casino operations were halted in Macao.
Despite the impact of these storms, China continued military operations near Taiwan, which it considers a part of its territory and has threatened to bring under Chinese sovereignty, even by force if necessary. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported monitoring the movements of Chinese military aircraft and navy ships near the island but noted that there were no indications that they had crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
The situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing political and military tensions between Taiwan and mainland China, even in the face of natural disasters.