Evacuation of Thousands as Typhoon "Haikui" Hits Taiwan

Authorities in Taiwan have evacuated nearly four thousand people, and all domestic flights have been canceled as Typhoon Haikui struck the southeastern part of the island on Sunday, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds. A statement from the office of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen mentioned in a meeting with disaster management officials that residents should avoid going out, climbing mountains, heading to the coast, fishing, or engaging in water sports. The fire department reported that two people were slightly injured when a tree fell on a truck in Hualien County in eastern Taiwan. There were few reports of other damage, with only sporadic rain showers observed in the capital, Taipei. The Taiwanese government stated that 3,729 residents in mainly southern and eastern residential areas have already been evacuated. Airlines in Taiwan canceled all domestic flights on Sunday, and ferry services to surrounding islands were also suspended. Disruptions to international flights were less severe, with the Civil Aeronautics Administration announcing the cancellation of only 41 flights on Sunday. The military has deployed soldiers and equipment to assist with flood relief and evacuation efforts. After passing through southern Taiwan, Haikui is expected to cross the Taiwan Strait into China. Winds are beginning to ease slightly, but conditions remain hazardous. Typhoon Haikui made landfall in the low-population mountainous area of southeastern Taiwan on Sunday afternoon, marking the first typhoon to directly hit Taiwan in four years. Regions and cities in the affected area canceled classes and declared a holiday from work. Haikui is a significantly weaker storm compared to Typhoon Saola, which struck Hong Kong and Guangdong Province in southern China on Saturday.