Tropical Storm Podul strengthens as it approaches Taiwan
Typhoon Podul Hits Taiwan, Causes Widespread Precautions but Minimal Damage
Typhoon Podul, a moderately strong storm, made landfall in southeastern Taiwan on August 15, 2025. Known for its rapid movement and heavy rainfall, the typhoon caused widespread precautions, including school and government office closures, evacuation of thousands of people, and flight disruptions.
Intensity and Path
Podul was relatively small but moderately strong, crossing southern Taiwan at about 36 km/h (22 mph) and measuring roughly 120 km (75 miles) across. It hit Taiwan’s east coast, typically receiving more force there before weakening as it moved across the Central Mountain Range towards China's coast.
Impact in Taiwan
Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, no major damage was reported immediately after the storm crossed, though there was a missing person reported on the east coast. The storm threatened agriculture, especially fruit and other cash crops in southeastern Taiwan, which had already suffered from recent heavy rains causing crop damage and localized power outages in rural areas.
Flights were delayed or canceled primarily in southern Taiwan; the capital Taipei and main international airport were not directly in the path, minimizing broader disruptions.
Preparations and Response
Taiwanese authorities preemptively closed schools and government offices in affected areas and evacuated residents from vulnerable coastal regions. In response to Podul’s approach, the Taiwanese government and local counties took precautionary safety measures such as suspending work and implementing evacuations. No major infrastructure damages were reported, likely due to timely preparations and the storm’s weakening as it crossed the island.
Aftermath and Related Events
The Central Weather Administration and local media emphasized crop damage risks and landslides due to heavy rains, continuing concerns from recent storms. Following Podul, the storm moved into the Taiwan Strait, affecting southeastern China with evacuations and port recalls, indicating its continuing impact beyond Taiwan.
The week of bad weather left five people dead, three missing, and 78 injured. The previous typhoon, Typhoon Krathon, hit Kaohsiung in October, causing significant damage. Kaohsiung fisherman Huang Wei expressed concern about the approaching typhoon. Some areas recorded more than Taiwan's annual rainfall of 2.1 metres for 2024 during the period from July 28 to August 4. Typhoon Danas, which hit Taiwan in early July, killed two people and injured hundreds.
In summary, Typhoon Podul in Taiwan was a moderately strong storm causing heavy rain, gusty winds, and agricultural threats, but it did not lead to major structural damages or casualties, thanks largely to robust preparations following earlier typhoon impacts like Typhoon Krathon.
Businesses in the affected areas of Taiwan prepared for closures during Typhoon Podul, anticipating potential weather-related disruptions to their operations. The storm stirred concern among environmental scientists, who predicted increased risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall and soil saturation.
