KEELUNG, Taiwan (TVBS News) — Keelung Mayor George Hsieh (謝國樑) emphasized Wednesday that the joint decision to suspend classes and work was driven by a shared commitment to public safety, as cities across northern Taiwan braced for Typhoon Krathon's potential impact.
Typhoon Krathon (山陀兒) has prompted officials to announce Tuesday evening, a typhoon day off on Wednesday for Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City and Keelung City.
Hsieh, speaking at the Central Emergency Operations Center (災害應變中心), emphasized the coastal risks. He pointed out that the city government was worried that, after the afternoon, the coastal waves would pose safety concerns to the citizens.
He stressed that the decision was a joint effort made the previous night.
Hsieh also explained the reasons for announcing the suspension earlier than other cities within the greater Taipei area, stating that the mayors discussed the situation via phone calls before 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
He remarked that the city mayors decided that the coastal wind force had reached the suspension standard, noting that although the morning weather was mild on Wednesday, conditions were expected to worsen by the afternoon.
Hsieh mentioned the media's presence during the announcement at the Central Emergency Operations Center, which led to the early dissemination of the news. He reiterated that the decision was made collectively after consulting with the other mayors.
Hsieh highlighted the benefits of a coordinated approach among the cities but acknowledged the regional differences in weather impact.
He stressed that the joint holiday decision would be evaluated after each typhoon, noting that the nationwide suspension negated any issues of Keelung acting alone.