Typhoon Maria Looms Over Taiwan: Ferries Halted, Farmers Haste to Harvest
On Monday, July 9, a sense of urgency swept through Taiwan as locals braced for the impending traversal of Typhoon Maria. While the island was drenched in nerves, the weather bureau warned of cascading mudslides and flooding, prompting immediate action.
Where’s the Storm and What’s the Forecast?
- Maria hovered roughly 1,100 km east‑southeast of Taipei, with wind gusts reaching up to a blistering 200 km/h.
- By 2:30 pm local time, waves were already testing the island’s north and east shores, signaling a storm surge to come.
- The meteorological office predicts the strongest gales will hit late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
Stay Safe, Stay Alert
Interior Minister Yeh Jiunn‑rong rolled out a public plea: “Let’s keep our eyes peeled and work together if any evacuation orders pop up.” Shepherding the populace, he cautioned that heavy downpours could trigger floodwaters and mudslides—even though no evacuation orders had been issued yet.
Military Backup on Standby
For added peace of mind, the Defence Ministry announced that 30,000 soldiers would be on standby, ready to jump into action and help avert disaster.
Possible Direct Hit? (Apparently Not)
According to the bureau, if Maria keeps its plotted path, it won’t strike Taiwan head‑on. Instead, it would glide past the northernmost tip of the archipelago.
Ferry Services? Cue to Ride the Wave?
- Ferry routes to the offshore islands were halted last Monday.
- Televised footage revealed a frantic scramble as farmers scurried to harvest crops before the storm hit.
Take Precautions If You’re Around the Water
The bureau issued a wake‑up call: “Steer clear of water-related activities, and fishermen, patch your boats up.”
Typhoon Season in a Nutshell
It’s nothing new—a lot of the year, Taiwan feels the sting of summer typhoons. Last year, Typhoon Nesat sent shockwaves, leaving over a hundred injuries, widespread blackout, and flooding.
As the storm gathers strength, it’s a stark reminder: stay safe, grab your produce, and rely on the government’s safety playbook.
