TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Doksuri veered toward Kinmen on Friday (July 28) after bringing its brunt to southern Taiwan. Amid the heavy rainfall and wind gusts, Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, Tainan City, and Pingtung County unexpectedly announced the suspension of work and classes earlier that day.
Located in the waters southwest of Penghu this morning, Typhoon Doksuri is accelerating and moving north-northwest, heading toward Kinmen at a speed of 29 kilometers per hour. Penghu and Kinmen are on high alert, bracing for strong winds, heavy rain, and huge waves. Both Penghu and Kinmen have declared typhoon days off on Friday.
Strong winds wreaked havoc in Kaohsiung on Thursday night. According to Taiwan Power Company's statistics, over ten thousand households experienced power outages in Kaohsiung. Additionally, 55 street trees were reported to have fallen, and the city government is diligently working to clear the roads and restore normalcy.
In parts of Tainan, strong winds this morning also caused trees to topple over, and some areas are experiencing power disruptions. Due to safety concerns, cities and counties in southern Taiwan — Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, Tainan City, and Pingtung County — have urgently declared typhoon days off this morning.
Typhoon Doksuri has caused mudslides in mountainous areas in Taitung and Hualien.
There is a probability of long waves occurring along the coasts, including Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Wave heights may reach 6 meters or more in the Hengchun Peninsula, eastern, and southwestern coastal areas. Please avoid engaging in seaside activities.
The Central Weather Bureau estimates that by Friday noon, the typhoon's eye will have left the main island of Taiwan, and the wind and rain in various places will gradually ease during the daytime. However, the southwesterly winds will still bring moisture, leading to chances of brief showers in certain areas.