Typhoon Khanun Leaves Taiwan’s Mountains Devastated
Typhoon Khanun has unleashed chaos across Taiwan’s mountainous regions. Torrential rains triggered deadly floods and landslides, smashing roads and trapping hundreds of people. Emergency crews are racing against time to restore transport links and help those stranded.
Nantou County Takes the Hardest Hit
The central county of Nantou copped more than a metre (3 feet) of rain in Renai Township alone since the typhoon skimmed northern Taiwan on Thursday. The deluge obliterated roads and sparked multiple landslides and mudslides, crushing local infrastructure.
Shocking local news footage showed a petrol station in Renai buried under debris, while a nearby motorway disappeared beneath floodwaters, cutting off vital access in this remote mountainous area.
Rescue Efforts Underway as Hundreds Remain Stranded
By Saturday, two people were reported missing with over 460 stranded in hard-to-reach spots. Thankfully, authorities confirmed no casualties so far, but the situation remains critical.
Nantou County chief Hsu Shu-Hua made an urgent plea to the central government and armed forces for immediate rescue support. “We must send all available resources now,” she said, as officials battle to restore infrastructure and get transport moving again.
Vice President Pledges Full Support Amid Ongoing Storm
Vice President William Lai promised to deploy the “greatest resources” to back local teams in the recovery. In a Facebook post, Lai warned residents to stay vigilant as heavy rain, though easing, is expected to continue over the weekend.
With lives still at risk, Taiwan braces for more bad weather while mounting a fight to return to normal.
