Will Typhoon Bavi Trigger Work and School Closures on Friday, August 7? 10 Counties Face Over 90% Chance of Storm Impact! Updated List of Suspended Areas and Latest Typhoon Path

Typhoon Bavi, the 9th typhoon of the year, has intensified into a severe typhoon and is steadily approaching Taiwan. According to the latest forecast from the Central Weather Bureau, the typhoon's path is becoming clearer, with 10 counties and cities already facing over 90% probability of being hit by the storm's wind zone. Northern and central Taiwan are most at risk, while southern regions also face threats of torrential rain. As significant wind and rain are expected by the second half of this week, the public is closely watching whether local authorities will announce work and school suspensions.

As of now, the Executive Yuan's Personnel Administration Bureau has not released official information on work and school suspensions. Local governments will make decisions based on the latest weather forecasts and actual disaster conditions assessed in coordination with the Central Weather Bureau.

Typhoon Bavi's path is heading directly toward Taiwan, with its storm zone expanding. Northern and central areas are expected to be fully enveloped by strong winds, while southern regions must prepare for prolonged heavy rainfall and localized downpours. Mountainous areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows.

The Central Weather Bureau's 'probability of storm zone impact' shows that 10 counties and cities exceed 90% risk: Taipei City (98%), Keelung City (98%), Yilan County (98%), New Taipei City (97%), Taoyuan City (97%), Hsinchu City (94%), Hsinchu County (94%), Hualien County (94%), Lienchiang County (93%), and Miaoli County (91%). Final decisions on suspensions will depend on the typhoon's actual path and intensity.

With Bavi drawing closer, many residents are concerned about the possibility of typhoon holidays. During Typhoon Lekima in 2019, northern Taiwan declared work and school suspensions due to extreme winds and rain. Experts emphasize that while storm impact probability is a key reference, it is not the sole factor. Local governments must consider wind speed, rainfall, transportation, and actual disaster risks before making legal decisions.

Current status of work and school suspensions by county (all pending): Keelung City: Not announced Taipei City: Not announced New Taipei City: Not announced Taoyuan City: Not announced Hsinchu City: Not announced Hsinchu County: Not announced Miaoli County: Not announced Taichung City: Not announced Changhua County: Not announced Nantou County: Not announced Yunlin County: Not announced Chiayi City: Not announced Chiayi County: Not announced Tainan City: Not announced Kaohsiung City: Not announced Pingtung County: Not announced Yilan County: Not announced Hualien County: Not announced Taitung County: Not announced Penghu County: Not announced Kinmen County: Not announced Lienchiang County: Not announced

Updates will be made continuously based on announcements from the Executive Yuan's Personnel Administration Bureau and local governments. For detailed information, visit the 'Executive Yuan Personnel Administration Bureau Global Information Website' at https://www.dgpa.gov.tw/typh/daily/nds.html

Q: What are the criteria for suspending work and school during typhoons? According to the Executive Yuan's 'Regulations on Suspension of Work and Classes During Natural Disasters,' local governments do not base decisions solely on landfall. Instead, they assess meteorological forecasts, actual disaster conditions, and traffic safety.

Key decision criteria include: - Wind criteria: If the Central Weather Bureau forecasts average wind speeds of level 7 or higher, or gusts of level 10 or higher within 4 hours in areas within the storm radius. - Rainfall criteria: Rainfall reaches the threshold set by each county, and there is existing or potential for disaster. - Special circumstances: Even if wind and rain do not meet thresholds, suspensions may be declared if terrain, transportation disruptions, flooding, or landslides pose safety risks.

Q: Who decides on work and school suspensions? Decisions are made by each county (including special municipalities) for public offices and schools, typically by the county mayor or magistrate.

However, due to geographic diversity, some governments may delegate authority to township, city, or county mayors based on local terrain, transportation, and conditions.

Q: When are suspension announcements made? - Announced by 10 PM the previous night: 'Full-day suspension' runs from midnight to 12 AM; 'Morning suspension' from midnight to end of morning classes. - Announced by 4:30 AM the same day: 'Full-day suspension' starts at 8 AM; 'Morning suspension' from 8 AM to end of morning classes. - Partial suspensions: 'Afternoon suspension' from 1:30 PM to 12 AM; 'Evening suspension' from 6 PM to 12 AM.

Q: What if work/school and residence areas have different decisions? If any of the following—residence, commute route, or workplace/school location—has a suspension, the individual may stop working or attending class.

Q: Are employees paid during typhoon holidays? Under current regulations, typhoon holidays are classified as 'work suspension due to force majeure.' There is no legal requirement for employers to pay wages. Employers may withhold pay if employees do not show up due to safety concerns.

However, employers must not deduct full-attendance bonuses, reduce wages, record absences, or count it as personal leave.