Typhoon Podul Batters Taiwan With Deadly Winds Heavy Rain

Powerful Typhoon Podul Slams Taiwan With Fierce Winds, Torrential Rains

TAIPEI — Taiwan is bracing for the full force of Typhoon Podul, which is packing winds of 155 km/h (96 mph) at its centre and continuing to strengthen, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

Forecasters say the storm is expected to make landfall in sparsely populated Taitung County around noon Wednesday before sweeping across the island and into the Taiwan Strait. Gusts have already reached up to 191 km/h, stronger than those of Typhoon Krathon, which hit Kaohsiung in October.

“We’re worried,” said Kaohsiung fisherman Huang Wei, who spent the morning securing his boat. “I thought we were ready yesterday, but now it’s stronger than the last big one.”

More than 5,500 people have been evacuated, disaster officials said, as central and southern Taiwan brace for heavy rain and damaging winds. Mountainous areas in Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Hualien, and Taitung are at risk of torrential downpours.

In Taitung, resort worker Lo Wan-chun compared the storm’s intensity to Typhoon Nepartak in 2016, which brought the county its strongest winds in over a century. “The wind is roaring. We’re telling guests to stay indoors,” she said.

The storm has disrupted transport nationwide, with all domestic flights cancelled and dozens of international journeys halted. Ferry services are suspended, and many schools and businesses across the south have closed. Over 31,500 soldiers are on standby to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

Forecasters warn that Kaohsiung and Pingtung could see 400–600 mm (16–24 inches) of rainfall by Thursday. The island is still recovering from back-to-back storms in July and early August, which brought deadly floods and landslides.

Taiwan, which lies in the path of frequent Pacific typhoons between July and October, faces increasing risks as scientists warn that climate change is driving more intense and destructive storms.