New Taipei:President Lai Ching-te has called on candidates in Taiwan's upcoming nine-in-one local elections to take serious precautions in light of Typhoon Champi. The president's remarks were made during a briefing at the Central Emergency Operations Center.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that as of 9 a.m. on Friday, Typhoon Champi's center was located 330 kilometers east of Taiwan proper, moving at a speed of 11-16 kilometers per hour. The typhoon is expected to move in a northwest or north-northwest direction, potentially affecting waters off northeastern Taiwan as it heads towards the East China Sea.
The CWA highlighted that Champi's outer rainbands have already brought gusts reaching Level 12 on the Beaufort scale to Taiwan's north coast and other regions. Winds of Levels 10 and 11 were recorded along parts of Taiwan's western coast, affecting areas such as Taoyuan and Hsinchu County.
President Lai emphasized the importance of monitoring weather updates and advised the public to avoid beaches and mountainous areas. He stressed the need for preventive evacuations, especially for seniors and those with limited mobility. Additionally, repair crews and machinery should be strategically deployed based on district needs.
The Ministry of National Defense, in its briefing, stated that 23,595 soldiers and 2,395 vehicles are on standby for rescue operations, ensuring readiness for any disaster relief efforts required.
The nine-in-one local elections will take place on November 28, with voters electing officials across 22 cities and counties for various local government positions, including mayors and councilors.
