Taiwan Evacuates Over 8,000 Residents and Closes Schools Ahead of Tropical Storm Fung-Wong

Taiwan Evacuates Over 8,000 Residents and Closes Schools Ahead of Tropical Storm Fung-Wong

TAIPEI, Taiwan (Nov. 12, 2025) Taiwan has taken precautionary measures as Tropical Storm Fung-wong moves toward the island, prompting the evacuation of more than 8,300 residents and the closure of schools across several regions.

     Thousands Evacuated as Storm Nears Taiwan

According to smdailyjournal, a total of 8,326 people have been evacuated, mainly from Hualien County on the eastern coast an area still recovering from a deadly typhoon in September that claimed 18 lives.

Heavy rainfall and flash floods have already injured at least 51 people while local media footage from Hualien showed vehicles being swept away by surging floodwaters after a nearby creek overflowed on Tuesday.

     Schools and Offices Closed Across the South and Central Regions

In anticipation of the storm’s impact, schools and offices have been closed in Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan and the counties of Pingtung, Chiayi, and Miaoli. Meanwhile, the capital city Taipei located in the north, continues normal operations.

Authorities have urged residents to secure outdoor items such as signboards, fences, and flowerpots to prevent accidents caused by strong winds.

       Current Storm Status and Path

As of Wednesday morning, Fung-wong was located approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) southwest of Taiwan, moving northeast at 16 kph (10 mph) through the South China Sea. Meteorologists expect the storm to make brief landfall later in the day, brushing Taiwan’s southern coast before moving out toward the Pacific Ocean by Wednesday night.

At its latest update, the storm maintained maximum sustained winds of 65 kph (40 mph)with stronger gusts recorded in some coastal areas. Residents have been warned to stay away from beaches, as waves up to 5 meters (16 feet) are expected along southern and eastern shores.

     Fung-Wong’s Destructive Path in the Philippines

According to ABC Before approaching Taiwan, Fung-wong battered the Philippines as a super typhoon on Sunday, leaving behind severe flooding, landslides, and power outages. The storm caused at least 27 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

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As of Wednesday, over 623,000 evacuees remained in shelters across the Philippines, according to the Office of Civil Defense. Many of the fatalities occurred in the mountainous Cordillera region, known for its scenic rice terraces and cool climate now heavily affected by landslides.

 Officials Urge Caution

Taiwanese authorities continue to monitor the storm’s movement and have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow weather updates closely. Emergency response teams remain on alert for potential flooding, landslides, and power disruptions.