Typhoon Bavi Approaches, Taichung City Activates Level 1 Response; Mayor Lu Urges Evacuation of Mountain Area Households by Evening

According to the latest data, Typhoon Bavi is approaching and a land warning was issued at 5:30 AM on the 10th. Taichung City Government activated its Disaster Response Center at Level 1 that morning. Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen instructed that all at-risk households in mountainous areas must complete preventive evacuations by evening. She emphasized that weather forecasts are meant to guide comprehensive preparedness, stating, "Preparedness prevents disasters. We urge citizens to cooperate and work together to minimize potential flooding damage."

Mayor Lu pointed out that Taichung is expected to experience showers and thunderstorms from the evening of the 10th through the 11th, with mountainous areas facing heavy rainfall or above, potentially accumulating 500 to 800 millimeters—raising risks of landslides and large-scale collapses. For safety, at-risk households in Heping, Dongshi, Shigang, Xinshe, and Taiping areas must evacuate by evening to avoid being trapped.

According to Central Weather Administration forecasts, Taichung’s lowland areas will receive 300 to 500 millimeters of rain within the next 30 hours. Mayor Lu noted that such rainfall is extremely rare for Taichung, which typically enjoys stable weather, and far exceeds the city’s standard drainage design capacity of 50–80 millimeters. She urged district offices to use the pre-storm window to conduct thorough inspections and typhoon preparations, heightening vigilance to reduce disaster risks.

For coastal areas, Mayor Lu highlighted two key precautions: First, public access to beaches for sightseeing or swimming is strictly prohibited. Police will increase patrols and issue fines to those who refuse to leave. Second, strong winds may cause outdoor signs, hanging objects, or flowerpots to fall and injure pedestrians. All outdoor items should be brought indoors or securely fastened.

Mayor Lu also urged citizens to use the final “golden hours” to inspect drainage outlets and alleyways around their homes to prevent blockages. Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas are advised to prepare door barriers, sandbags, and elevate important items and electrical appliances.

Additionally, Taichung City announced a typhoon holiday starting at 6 PM on Friday, August 9, with no work or school for the entire weekend. The six-hour holiday on Friday sparked public concern, as many feared returning home during worsening weather. In response, Taichung City News Director Luan Chih-i cited Central Weather Administration data, explaining that daytime conditions on the 10th were expected to remain relatively stable, with less than 50 millimeters of rainfall. However, rain and wind would intensify after nightfall, with 300–500 millimeters expected on the 11th. As typhoon impacts are projected to escalate from the following day, Mayor Lu decided to begin the suspension of work and school at 6 PM on the 10th—six hours earlier than usual—to ensure citizens have sufficient time for typhoon preparations and to include night-shift workers under the safety protection of the holiday. The suspension will last 30 hours.