Super Typhoon Bavi Approaches with Over 50% Chance of Impacting Taitung; Farmers Rush to Harvest, Election Billboards Urgently Removed

(CNA reporter Lu Tai-cheng, Taitung County, July 7) There is a 57% chance that the super typhoon Bavi's storm will hit Taitung. This morning, some farmers felt that "the situation is not good" and have already begun typhoon preparedness measures. Election billboards that were just put up for the year-end elections are being taken down this afternoon. Tourists in Green Island and Orchid Island are returning early.

The Central Weather Administration stated today that Super Typhoon Bavi has a wide storm radius and a large impact range. A marine typhoon warning is expected to be issued on the afternoon of the 9th, and a land warning on the evening of the 9th or early morning of the 10th. The heaviest rainfall is expected on the 10th and 11th, with a 57% chance of the storm's eye impacting Taitung.

Farmers, who are very concerned about typhoons, have begun rushing to harvest mature crops upon sensing trouble. Ms. Chen, a farmer growing mangoes, said, "The situation is not good, it's best not to gamble with it (the typhoon); we'll harvest what we can, and let the rest go." "Wu Zai," who grows betel leaves, is also rushing to harvest. He said that prices were not good this summer, and after prices finally started to rise in July, another typhoon is coming, so he must harvest quickly.

Farmers are accelerating the harvest of crops that are ready for collection, including sugarcane, rice, and pineapple.

Political figures are also facing a headache. For the year-end local elections, some candidates had already put up large billboards; some who had just put them up are now busy taking them down due to the approaching typhoon.

Large billboards for Chen Ying, the Democratic Progressive Party's nominated candidate for Taitung County Magistrate, began to be temporarily removed this afternoon. She said that Taitung is a "rocking zone" for typhoons, often causing great damage. Therefore, before the typhoon arrives, they are responsibly taking down the large billboards out of safety considerations. Strong winds can easily cause the frames to fall, and if they hit people, vehicles, or houses, it would be very bad. "Safety is the first consideration."

Wu Xiu-hua, the Kuomintang's nominated candidate for Taitung County Magistrate, said that her large billboards were just put up a few days ago. "The situation is not right, so we are temporarily taking them down" to avoid the safety threat of them falling.

The Taitung City Office is also rushing to prune trees today. Mayor Chen Ming-feng stated that in response to Super Typhoon Bavi, the city office is mobilizing all its resources to proactively inspect roadside trees for pruning or shortening, in accordance with the needs of the citizens. They are also clearing ditches and roads.

Summer is the peak tourist season, with many visitors flocking to Orchid Island and Green Island. Ferry operators will begin transporting tourists from the islands back starting tomorrow morning, with services suspended after the afternoon. However, some tourists, concerned about the unpredictable nature of typhoons, returned to the main island early this afternoon. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150707

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