TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tropical Storm Fung-wong (鳳凰) caused widespread flooding in Suao Township (蘇澳), eastern Taiwan, after torrential rains struck Tuesday (Nov. 11) night. The storm severely impacted Yilan County, Taiwan's northeastern coastal region, leaving muddy roads and destruction throughout the township.
A suspected short circuit caused an explosion in a transformer box near a supermarket, plunging the street into darkness with flashes and loud noises. Residents used flashlights to clear water and sludge from apartments, continuing cleanup efforts through Wednesday (Nov. 12) morning.
Water levels reached a peak of two meters (6.6 feet) next to a large store before receding. Thick mud remains, making movement difficult as car owners inspect flood-damaged vehicles. One resident reported his car submerged within ten minutes during the heavy rains.
Typhoon Fung-wong dumped 523 millimeters (20.6 inches) of rain in 24 hours, with a two-day total of 651 millimeters (25.6 inches). The deluge inundated a local supermarket to the first floor and submerged Suao train station to half its height. Villages Su Pei (蘇北), Chang An (長安), Sheng Ai (聖愛), and Sheng Hu (聖湖) also reported significant flooding and damage.
>>> For comprehensive weather updates, consult these official meteorological agencies:
Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), Taiwan's national weather service: CWA Typhoon Information: https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/P/Typhoon/TY_NEWS.html
Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), U.S. Navy's Pacific storm tracking facility: JTWC Tropical Warnings: https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA, 気象庁), Japan's official weather authority: JMA Tropical Cyclone Information: https://www.data.jma.go.jp/multi/cyclone/cyclone_detail.html?id=61&lang=en
>>> In case of a typhoon, 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.