Lai Ching-te activates emergency response for Typhoon Ragasa

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) activated emergency protocols Monday (Sept. 22) as Typhoon Ragasa (樺加沙) threatened Taiwan's southern regions. Lai visited the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC, 中央災害應變中心) and conducted video conferences with Hualien, Taitung, and Pingtung counties to coordinate storm response. The president assessed preparedness measures as the typhoon approached the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島).

The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service, reported Typhoon Ragasa's center positioned 280 kilometers (174 miles) south of Eluanbi (鵝鑾鼻) by 4 p.m., moving northwest at 21 kph (13 mph). The storm threatened Hengchun (恆春) Peninsula, Taitung, Pingtung, and Kaohsiung with potential intensity increases. Weather officials urged residents in affected areas to maintain vigilance against dangerous conditions.

Weather forecasters predicted 600 to 700 millimeters (23.6 to 27.6 inches) of rainfall in Wanrong Township (萬榮鄉), Hualien County, with significant accumulations expected in Yilan County. The National Fire Agency (NFA, 消防署), Taiwan's emergency response agency, recorded four injuries and one flooding incident in Hualien City. Officials reported no disruptions to essential services as floodwaters receded.

Authorities ordered preemptive evacuations of 2,200 residents in Hualien County Tuesday (Sept. 23) due to anticipated breach of Matai'an Creek's (馬太鞍溪) landslide dam. President Lai emphasized the typhoon's severe impact on southeastern Taiwan, urging citizens to avoid coastal areas and outdoor activities. The president stressed the critical importance of coordination between central and local government agencies.

President Lai demanded enhanced monitoring and early warning systems from the Ministry of Transportation, Taiwan's transport authority, to ensure public safety during the storm. Eastern mountain regions face potential rainfall totals of 500 to 800 millimeters (19.7 to 31.5 inches), creating dangerous conditions. The president emphasized coordinated emergency response efforts to protect vulnerable communities from severe weather impacts. ◼

>>> 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.