Typhoon Fung-wong batters Taiwan with heavy rains, prompting large-scale evacuations

TAIPEI, Nov 12 — Taiwan evacuated over 8,300 people as Typhoon Fung-wong, now much weakened, battered the mountainous east coast with heavy rains and severe flooding. Schools and businesses were closed in southern areas, and 51 people were injured.

In Yilan county, floodwaters reached neck height, prompting soldiers to rescue stranded residents. Dongshan township recorded 794mm of rain, with northern monsoon winds intensifying the downpours.

The typhoon, which previously killed 27 in the Philippines, is expected to pass Taiwan’s southern tip today before moving into the Pacific. Northern areas, including Hsinchu, home to TSMC, remain largely unaffected. — Reuters