Typhoon Danas batters southern Taiwan
Typhoon Danas struck southern Taiwan unleashing record winds and heavy rainfall that resulted in at least four fatalities and over 500 injuries. The typhoon made landfall near Budai in Chiayi County, marking a rare occurrence as it impacted the densely populated western coast, an area typically less affected by such storms. Maximum sustained winds reached 144 km/h, with gusts up to 175 km/h, causing extensive damage across the region.
In Tainan, a wooden temple gate collapsed, and shop signs were damaged in Chiayi. In Kaohsiung, scooter riders struggled against the fierce winds, highlighting the storm's intensity. The typhoon caused power outages for more than 580,000 households, particularly affecting southern and central Taiwan. Some areas received over 60 cm of rain, leading to widespread flooding and landslides that disrupted transportation and access to essential services.
Authorities evacuated over 3,400 residents, mainly from mountainous regions near Kaohsiung, while transportation to outlying islands was suspended, stranding thousands of tourists. Emergency services were deployed to assist those in need, and shelters were established for displaced residents. Typhoon Danas had weakened into a tropical storm and was moving toward southeastern China, prompting weather warnings in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, where wind speeds of up to 90 mph and rainfall exceeding 130 mm were anticipated.
This event marks the first typhoon to strike Taiwan's central western coast since Typhoon Wayne in 1986, underscoring the unusual trajectory of Danas. The storm has caused significant disruption, with businesses and schools closed across the affected areas. Local communities are now facing the challenges of recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of this powerful weather event, as they assess the damage and begin to restore normalcy.
