Typhoon Haikui Strikes Eastern Taiwan, Unleashing Torrential Downpours and Chaos

Introduction

On a fateful Sunday, the tranquil landscapes of eastern Taiwan were abruptly disrupted as Typhoon Haikui made its unwelcome landfall, leaving behind a trail of destruction. This marked the first direct hit by a major storm in four years, stirring anxiety and compelling authorities to take swift action to protect the lives and property of the island's residents.

Preparation and Evacuation

In the days leading up to Haikui's arrival, Taiwan braced itself for the impending tempest. Nearly 4,000 people residing in high-risk areas were evacuated, hundreds of flights were canceled, and businesses shuttered their doors in anticipation of the storm's fury. Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau diligently tracked the typhoon's course, alerting the nation that Haikui was "at our doorstep."

Landfall and the Unleashing of Nature's Fury

At 3:40 pm (0740 GMT), the moment Taiwan had feared had arrived. Haikui made landfall in the coastal region of Taitung, a picturesque yet mountainous county in eastern Taiwan. As the typhoon raged, residents hunkered down indoors, away from windows, as gusts of wind sent trees toppling and water tanks hurtling through the air. An AFP reporter on the scene described the scene as chaotic and unnerving.

Retired mechanic Chang Jhi-ming, 58, expressed his concern, stating, "I think this time it is serious. This is just beginning, the wind is just coming in and you can see trees toppling already." It was a grim reminder of nature's formidable power.

The Typhoon's Strength and Progress

As Haikui advanced, it gathered momentum. By 7:15 pm, it was carrying sustained winds of approximately 140 kilometers per hour, unleashing relentless rain and wind. The weather bureau cautioned that the most intense impact would be felt after landfall, and Haikui was expected to move into the Taiwan Strait by Monday evening.

Power Outages and Minor Injuries

The havoc extended beyond the immediate chaos of the storm. Over 21,000 households across the island lost power, with most seeing it restored by mid-afternoon. However, approximately 9,000 residents, including those in Taitung, were still without electricity when Haikui struck. In Hualien county, a mountainous region under a flash flood warning, two minor injuries were reported as a result of a fallen tree hitting a car.

Ongoing Challenges

Hualien and Taitung counties remained under a torrential rainfall advisory, a reminder that Haikui's effects would linger for some time. The last major storm to make landfall in Taiwan was Typhoon Bailu in 2019, which claimed one life. As Haikui unleashed its fury, the streets of Taitung were already strewn with uprooted trees, swaying street signs, and a restaurant owner's signpost, firmly secured against the raging elements.

Conclusion

Typhoon Haikui's arrival in eastern Taiwan was a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such disasters. As the island works to recover and restore normalcy, the resilience and unity of its people shine through, standing strong against the force of the elements.