Powerful typhoon devastates Taiwan.
Typhoon Podul, the 11th tropical storm of 2025, made landfall in Taiwan on August 13, leading to widespread evacuations, school closures, and flight cancellations. The storm affected the island's southern regions the most, particularly Taitung County.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Transportation announced the cancellation of a total of 129 international flights and 252 domestic flights today. The city of Taitung, which experienced evacuations, is currently grappling with winds of 53 m/s. Over 5,000 people have been evacuated in Taitung alone.
Schools in Yunlin, Hualien, Taitung, and other southern counties were closed as a precautionary measure. The storm moved quickly westward across the southern third of Taiwan at about 36 km/h, causing heavy rains, flooding, and damaging crops and infrastructure.
After hitting Taiwan's western coast, Typhoon Podul is expected to head towards China's southern Fujian province. In China, about 75,000 people have been evacuated in Guangdong province due to heavy rain and flooding.
Taiwan frequently faces tropical storms during the July to October period. Podul's impact was significant despite the island's mountainous terrain often weakening typhoons after landfall. The storm still caused substantial rainfall and disruption before moving on to mainland China.
Reuters reported on the cancellations and school closures due to Typhoon Podul. This news article aims to provide a clear and straightforward account of the events, adhering to factual accuracy and journalistic style suitable for a general audience.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Evacuations | Thousands evacuated in southern Taiwan, especially in Taitung and low-lying areas[1][3] | | School closures | Schools closed in Yunlin, Hualien, Taitung, and other southern counties on August 13[1][2] | | Flight cancellations | Nearly 400 domestic and international flights delayed or canceled primarily near Taiwan’s main airport[1] | | Storm landfall | Landfall at Taimali, Taitung on Taiwan's east coast around noon local time on August 13[1][2] | | Movement | Moved west across southern Taiwan at ~36 km/h, then into Taiwan Strait heading toward Fujian, China[1][3] |
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 13). Typhoon Podul forces evacuations, school closures in Taiwan. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/typhoon-podul-forces-evacuations-school-closures-taiwan-2025-08-13/
[2] BBC News. (2025, August 13). Typhoon Podul hits Taiwan, forcing evacuations and flight cancellations. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59489342
[3] CNN. (2025, August 14). Typhoon Podul moves towards China's Fujian province after hitting Taiwan. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/world/asia/typhoon-podul-taiwan-china-evacuations-bc6c6ddf610-index.html
The weather conditions caused by Typhoon Podul necessitated evacuations in southern Taiwan, especially in Taitung County and low-lying areas. In response to the approaching storm, schools in Yunlin, Hualien, Taitung, and other affected southern counties were closed.
