More than 70 people were injured and tens of thousands of homes were left without power as Typhoon Haikui made its way across Taiwan, officials said. Haikui is the first typhoon in four years to directly hit Taiwan.
Most of the storm-related injuries reported across Taiwan were sustained during traffic accidents caused by fallen trees, according to the officials.
Taiwan’s capital city Taipei was hit by heavy rains. Before making landfall, the storm was packing winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour (96 miles per hour), the local weather bureau said.
At least 7,113 people across 11 cities and counties were evacuated, according to Taiwan’s Interior Ministry.
The Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) said on September 4 that Typhoon Haikui had caused 78 injuries, over 1,000 incidents of damage, and the loss of power to over 217,000 homes.
- Injuries – 78
- Homes without power – 217,000
- Damage reports – 1,000
- Evacuation – 7,113
Taiwan suspends work, transport and schools as Typhoon
Seven counties and cities in southern and eastern Taiwan suspended school and work, according to the respective local governments.
The winds and driving rains forced in unsecured doors, uprooted trees and caused flooding in some low-lying areas.
Residents were urged to stay home and flights, trains, ferry services, schools and outdoor events were suspended.
Flights cancelled
As many as 179 domestic flights and 15 international flights were canceled and 12 were delayed due to the typhoon. At least 14 ferry routes were suspended, affecting 151 crossings.
Much of southern Taiwan came to a standstill as Typhoon Haikuihit the island’s mountainous and sparsely populated area in the southeast before moving to the south.
In neighboring Hong Kong, at least 86 injuries were reported from Typhoon Saola which made landfall in the city after passing through the northeastern Philippines.