Typhoon Podul Pummels Taiwan

Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 9:18 am

Typhoon Podul Brings Disruption to Taiwan

Typhoon Podul has brought significant disruption to Taiwan, causing widespread damage and prompting emergency responses. The storm, which made landfall on Wednesday, has led to the closure of businesses and schools in the southern regions, along with the grounding of hundreds of flights.

Wind gusts reached up to 178 kilometers per hour before the typhoon made landfall. Authorities report one person missing after being swept away while fishing, and 33 injuries have been reported. Over 7,300 individuals have been evacuated from their homes.

The storm has caused power outages affecting over 134,500 households. Transportation has been severely impacted, with all domestic flights canceled and dozens of international flights affected. High-speed rail services have been reduced, and train services in the southeast have been suspended. Ferry services have also been halted.

Emergency services are mobilized, with over 31,500 soldiers ready to assist in rescue and relief efforts. The Central Weather Administration anticipates heavy rainfall, with mountain areas in Kaohsiung and Tainan potentially receiving up to 600 millimeters of rain.

The current typhoon is reminiscent of previous storms, including Typhoon Krathon, which hit the region in October. The island nation is also still recovering from earlier storms in July, which resulted in fatalities and significant rainfall.

Scientists attribute the increasing intensity of these weather events to human-driven climate change. Warmer air and oceans, a consequence of global warming, contribute to more intense storms and downpours.

BNN's Perspective: The repeated impact of severe weather events underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. While emergency responses are crucial, long-term strategies for climate resilience and adaptation are essential to protect communities and infrastructure.

Keywords: Typhoon Podul, Taiwan, weather, storm, flooding, power outages, flights canceled, climate change, rainfall, evacuation, injuries, wind gusts, emergency response

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