TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A commercial flight aborted its landing at Kinmen Airport (金門機場) Monday (Sept. 22) as Typhoon Ragasa (樺加沙) unleashed fierce winds and torrential rain across Taiwan. The aircraft swayed violently and veered dangerously off the runway's centerline due to severe crosswinds during the afternoon approach. The pilot's immediate decision to abort the landing narrowly prevented what could have been a catastrophic accident at the offshore island airport.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's weather bureau, reported Typhoon Ragasa reached peak intensity Monday before sweeping across southern Taiwan that evening. The storm moved west-northwest while delivering heavy rainfall to eastern, northern, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung regions. Weather officials warned the downpours would continue into Tuesday (Sept. 23), affecting multiple areas across the island.
Forecasters predict the typhoon's storm circle will gradually move away by Tuesday (Sept. 23) morning, allowing authorities to lift the land warning by midday. The sea warning will remain in effect until nightfall as the storm continues its westward trajectory. Officials continue urging residents to exercise caution and monitor weather updates as Ragasa moves away from Taiwan's vicinity. ◼