TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan issued land and sea warnings Monday (Sept. 22) as Typhoon Ragasa (樺加沙), the strongest storm this year, approaches the island. The Central Emergency Operations Center (中央災害應變中心), Taiwan's disaster response agency, activated warnings while Pingtung, Hualien, and Taitung Counties suspended work and classes. Southern regions braced for impact over the weekend as the powerful typhoon continued its approach toward Taiwan.
Meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) warned of significant rainfall across Greater Taipei, eastern, and southern regions as the typhoon's outer circulation interacts with terrain. European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts simulations predict Ragasa will pass through the Bashi Channel (巴士海峽) into the South China Sea from Monday to Wednesday (Sept. 22-24). Wu emphasized that the storm's interaction with Taiwan's mountainous terrain will intensify precipitation in vulnerable areas.
The National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (國家災害防救科技中心), Taiwan's disaster monitoring agency, reported Ragasa's storm circle will impact Taitung County and Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島) starting noon Monday. Heavy rains will primarily affect eastern regions, the Hengchun Peninsula, and mountainous Pingtung County areas. Coastal areas, including Taitung County and Hengchun Peninsula, face strong winds and rough seas while temperatures remain elevated.
Authorities issued a red alert for Hualien County's Mataian Creek (馬太鞍溪) barrier lake, urging eastern and southern Taiwan residents to prepare for potential flooding. The barrier lake covers 110 hectares and stores 66.52 million cubic meters of water, though the overflow risk remains non-immediate. Traffic authorities are preparing for possible road closures along the Suhua Highway (蘇花公路), a major coastal route connecting northern and eastern Taiwan.
>>> Warning: In case of a typhoon, you should prepare for the storm and avoid going outside. Stay away from beaches and coastal areas for wave-watching or water activities. Be alert for strong winds and heavy rain while watching for landslides and falling rocks. Remember that emergency assistance is available at 119/1999, maritime emergencies at 118, and police or disaster reporting at 110/119.
