Hurricane Haikui to make landfall in Taiwan, prompting evacuations and travel disruptions

Taipei, Taiwan (September 3, 2023): Hurricane Haikui is expected to make landfall in southern Taiwan on Sunday, prompting evacuations and travel disruptions across the island.

Huge waves are seen in Yilan as Typhoon Haikui makes its way to eastern Taiwan-Image Source: CTV News

The Taiwanese government has evacuated about 3,000 people from seven cities in the southern and eastern parts of the island, which are considered to be at high risk. More than 200 domestic flights have been canceled, and schools and businesses in the affected areas are closed.

Haikui is expected to reach land in the mountainous region of southern Taiwan in the late afternoon. The storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to most of the island.

“Hurricane Haikui poses a threat to most parts of the country,” said a spokesperson for the Taiwanese Central Meteorological Bureau. “We urge residents to take precautions.”

Haikui is a weaker storm than Hurricane Saula, which struck Hong Kong and Guangdong Province in southern China on Saturday. Haikui is expected to be a Category 1 or 2 hurricane when it makes landfall in Taiwan.

The Taiwanese government has deployed troops and equipment to help with evacuation efforts and to respond to any potential damage.