Department of Information Technology

Despite the departure of Typhoon Doksuri, the Pacific typhoon season has just barely started, and now Typhoon Khanun is approaching the vicinity of Taiwan. Due to the weather systems in region, forecasts of different countries disagree on the route the new tropical cyclone will take. However, there is a chance that sea warning will be issued and the storm might have an impact on Northern Taiwan.

During the typhoon preparations meeting on July 31, Mayor Chiang Wan-an instructed the relevant city agencies to strengthen preparations against Typhoon Khanun to ensure the safety of citizens.

According to the Disaster Prevention and Rescue Office, Typhoon Khanun (as of 8 AM on July 31) is located to the east-south-east direction of Taipei City – roughly 1,120 kilometers away. Khanun is expected to become a moderate typhoon by the time it reaches Okinawa. There is also a huge discrepancy regarding the development and route of the typhoon between the US and European forecast models, with the European agencies predicting a closer path to Taiwan.

Chiang pointed out that the primary impact of the typhoon upon Taipei City will be the strong winds. He instructed the Department of Urban Development, the Public Works Department, and the Department of Labor to contact construction sites to strengthen support and secure structures such as fences, canvas covers, and sign boards – especially those in the vicinity of roadside electric substations.

Given the large number of uprooted trees during the previous typhoon, the mayor requested the Parks and Street Lights Office to dispatch staff to remove the downed trees to ensure the safety of roads and sidewalks. As for fallen leaves and other debris, the Department of Environmental Protection has also assigned additional manpower for cleanup and patrol tasks.

As for whether the Dadaocheng Fireworks on Wednesday night will be canceled, the mayor expects the final decision to be announced in the afternoon of August 1.