International news is marked by the devastating power of Typhoon Haikui which recently hit Taiwan. This climatic phenomenon caused violent winds, torrential rains and flooding in several regions of the island. Authorities were forced to evacuate thousands of people and many homes were left without electricity.
Haikui is the first typhoon to directly hit Taiwan in four years. Its winds reaching up to 190 km/h and gusts exceeding 140 km/h caused extensive damage in their path. The images bear witness to the impressive impact of the typhoon, with uprooted trees, torn water reservoirs and gigantic waves on the coasts.
At least 40 people were injured, including two in Hualien County where a tree fell on a car. The authorities have put in place emergency measures to deal with this critical situation. More than 120,000 homes were left without electricity, but the situation gradually improved with power restored to half of the affected homes.
Typhoon Haikui, which made landfall in Taitung, a mountainous and sparsely populated region in the east of the island, is expected to continue its path towards mainland China. Forecasts indicate it is expected to pass through southern Taiwan before moving out over the Taiwan Strait. Authorities are calling on the population to exercise caution and remain vigilant in the face of heavy rains and the risk of landslides in regions close to the central mountain range.
This typhoon is a reminder of Taiwan’s vulnerability to extreme weather phenomena. President Tsai Ing-wen stressed the importance of preparing and ensuring the safety of all residents. The authorities have put in place emergency measures to ensure the safety of the affected populations, notably mobilizing the army and material resources to deal with possible damage.
This new climatic episode highlights the urgency of acting against climate change. Typhoons and other extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, causing considerable damage and endangering the lives of many people. It is crucial that we take action to reduce our carbon footprint, protect the environment and prevent these natural disasters.