Taiwan Evacuates Hundreds Ahead Typhoon Podul Landfall

Taiwanese authorities are evacuating nearly 2,000 people as Typhoon Podul approaches the island's southeastern coast, particularly targeting vulnerable areas such as Taitung city and Hualien county. The typhoon, with winds up to 155 km/h, is expected to make landfall by Wednesday, bringing heavy rains of up to 600 mm that threaten flooding and landslides, especially from a natural dam formed by a previous landslide. Officials have issued strong warnings for residents downstream of this dam to evacuate promptly. Taiwan is still recovering from recent storms that caused record winds, flooding, and landslides, resulting in fatalities and damage to infrastructure, including the electricity grid. After impacting Taiwan, Podul is forecast to move toward China's Fujian province, where it may exacerbate flood risks. Emergency agencies continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to follow evacuation orders to ensure safety.