TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Gaemi (凱米) has intensified, prompting 15 counties and cities to declare a typhoon day for Wednesday (July 24), resulting in karaoke business Cashbox Partyworld (錢櫃KTV) in Taipei seeing a surge in bookings, quickly filling all available slots.
A day earlier, local governments began announcing typhoon holidays around 8 and 9 p.m. However, Cashbox Partyworld's website experienced crashes starting at 8:30 p.m., requiring constant refreshing to access booking information.
By 9:30 p.m., all rooms in the Greater Taipei area for the evening had been booked, according to the latest updates on their website.
Typhoon Gaemi is expected to have its most significant impact over the next two days.
On Tuesday, county and city governments, including Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Yilan, Chiayi, and Kaohsiung, announced a one-day suspension of work and classes.
Major department stores, such as Far Eastern SOGO (遠東SOGO), Honhui Plaza (宏匯廣場), and Dayeh Takashimaya (大葉高島屋), have also announced closures for July 24.
Far Eastern SOGO issued a statement saying, "Due to the approaching typhoon and out of concern for the safety of our customers, counter partners, and colleagues, all Far Eastern SOGO stores in Taiwan will be closed on July 24."
Honhui Plaza similarly announced, "To protect the safety of our customers and all counter staff, we have decided to close for one day on July 24."
Additionally, Taipei 101 (台北101) shopping center, observation deck, and high-rise restaurants will close for the day. Q Square (京站), including its transit mall, Zhongshan Jazz Square, and Xiaobitan, will also remain closed to ensure the safety of customers and staff.