Overview
More than 3,300 residents in Taiwan have been forced to evacuate their homes as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong approaches the island. The storm, previously classified as a super typhoon, has weakened slightly but still threatens the region with heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides.
Current Situation
According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA), the storm was located 140 km southwest of Taiwan early Wednesday, with sustained winds of 72 km/h (45 mph) and gusts reaching 101 km/h (63 mph).
Authorities expect Fung-Wong to make landfall on Wednesday evening, bringing intense weather conditions across southern and eastern Taiwan.
Evacuations and Closures
- Over 3,300 people evacuated from vulnerable areas.
- Schools and offices closed in southern and eastern Taiwan.
- All domestic flights cancelled due to storm warnings.
The Hualien County, known for its mountainous terrain and susceptibility to landslides, has been placed under maximum alert. The area has been Taiwan’s most affected region during past typhoons.
Past Tragedy in Hualien
In September 2025, Hualien suffered severe flooding when a barrier lake overflowed, releasing 60 million tonnes of water. The disaster killed 19 people and devastated nearby communities.
Authorities are now closely monitoring the same barrier lake for signs of instability as Fung-Wong approaches.
Visuals From the Ground
Videos shared by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) show:
- Overflowing creeks sweeping through villages in Hualien County.
- Roads in low-lying areas completely washed away by rushing water.
Some areas have already received over 780mm of rainfall, even before the storm’s direct impact.
Forecast and Warnings
The CWA has issued heavy rain warnings for multiple regions. The storm is expected to move northeast and out to sea by Thursday morning, though rain and strong winds will continue into the night.
For more insights on how climate change is making storms like Fung-Wong more destructive, read our in-depth feature — Extreme Weather Events: Why 2025 Is Breaking All Climate Records.
For real-time weather warnings and official advisories, visit the Taiwan Central Weather Administration (CWA), which provides continuous updates on typhoon paths, rainfall data, and safety alerts across the island.
Global Context
Earlier this week, Fung-Wong caused 18 deaths in the Philippines due to floods and landslides, according to The Associated Press. Meteorologists say the storm’s slow movement has amplified rainfall in several areas, increasing flood risks across Taiwan’s east coast.
