Typhoon Bavi Approaches, Ferry Services to Green Island and Orchid Island Canceled This Afternoon to Evacuate Tourists

TAITUNG, Taiwan (CNA) - As Typhoon Bavi approaches, ferry services to Taiwan's Green Island and Orchid Island have been canceled this afternoon. Shipping operators were busy evacuating tourists this morning and also transporting essential supplies to the islands. At Fugang Fishing Harbor, more than a dozen boat owners lifted their rafts ashore, temporarily placing them in parking spaces to avoid the typhoon.

The weather in Taitung was clear this morning, and shipping operators were busy evacuating island tourists. Most tourists chose to return to the mainland early. Coach Mr. Sun, who had planned an off-site training session in Green Island until tomorrow, decided to return to Taitung early today due to the typhoon and ferry cancellations. Many other tourists also ended their trips one day to half a day earlier.

To prevent island residents from facing shortages due to the island closure, vegetable and meat vendors, as well as freight operators, also rushed to transport essential supplies to the harbor to restock the islands.

The Coast Guard Administration statistics show that as of 12:00 PM, 8 ferry trips had evacuated 86 people from the Taitung outlying islands, with 1,325 people remaining on Green Island. The Maritime and Port Bureau announced that all ferry services in the eastern region will be suspended from this afternoon until the 11th, with a reassessment for resumption on the 12th depending on weather conditions.

Parking spaces around Fugang Fishing Harbor also saw fishing boats parked in them. More than a dozen fishermen pooled funds to hire a crane to lift their rafts out of the harbor area. With old tires placed underneath, each raft occupied two parking spaces. This unusual sight attracted tourists to take photos.

Fishermen said that in the past, rafts have collided due to strong winds and huge waves, causing severe losses to boat owners. Learning from past experiences, they have decided to lift their rafts ashore in advance to avoid the typhoon and reduce potential losses.

Banana farmers took advantage of the good weather to rush to harvest their bananas. Farmer Mr. Xie said that his one-hectare banana plantation has been affected by typhoons almost every year, resulting in little to no harvest. Today, he is harvesting before the typhoon impacts the area. For those not yet ripe, he can only pray for good fortune.

Taitung City's traditional markets and supermarkets also saw crowds of shoppers this morning. Ms. Bai, a vegetable vendor at the Central Market, said that the vegetables are locally produced and sold, and prices have not increased. The buying activity is about 30% higher than on weekdays, and she expects to close earlier than usual today. (Edited by: Hsiao Po-wen) 1150708

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