TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Podul (楊柳颱風) brought widespread transportation chaos across Taiwan Wednesday (Aug. 13), forcing the Taiwan Railway (台鐵) to halt critical services on the Taitung Line (花東線) and South Link Line (南迴線) while suspending afternoon southbound express trains. Taiwan High Speed Rail (高鐵) implemented emergency non-reserved seating protocols after 2 p.m. as the powerful storm intensified its grip on the island. The disruptions marked one of the most significant weather-related transportation shutdowns in recent months.
Travelers confronted mounting difficulties navigating the extensive transportation disruptions caused by the typhoon's relentless advance. The storm triggered the cancellation of 381 flights, severely impacting international routes to Japan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong. The Civil Aviation Administration (CAA, 民航局) Taiwan's aviation regulator reported that domestic flights experienced 252 cancellations while 129 international flights were scrapped by 10 a.m.
Airlines scrambled desperately to restructure their schedules amid the typhoon's devastating impact on air travel. EVA Air (長榮航空) canceled or modified multiple flights to and from Kaohsiung, while China Airlines (華航) projected 27 cancellations affecting routes from Taipei and Kaohsiung to Japan, China, and Thailand. Tigerair Taiwan (虎航) eliminated 15 flights, STARLUX Airlines (星宇航空) experienced significant disruptions on Taipei-Macau routes, and Cathay Pacific (國泰航空) faced substantial obstacles on Hong Kong services.
Rail transportation suffered equally severe disruptions from the typhoon's powerful winds and torrential rains. Crowds of Taiwan Railway passengers flooded Taipei Main Station (台北車站), Taiwan's central transportation hub, seeking ticket refunds as services ceased on critical routes from Taitung to Hualien and Xinzuoying (新左營) to Taitung. Taiwan Railway remained unable to announce its post-6 p.m. schedule while urging travelers to monitor ongoing train and flight updates. ◼
>>> In case of a typhoon or natural disaster, you should prepare for the storm and avoid going outside. Stay away from beaches and coastal areas for wave-watching or water activities. Be alert for strong winds and heavy rain while watching for landslides and falling rocks. Remember that emergency assistance is available at 119/1999, maritime emergencies at 118, and police or disaster reporting at 110/119.