By Manisha Sahu | America News World | November 12, 2025
Taiwan has been battered by severe flooding and torrential rainfall as Typhoon Fung-wong swept across the island’s eastern coast early Wednesday, forcing more than 8,300 residents to evacuate from their homes. The weakened but still dangerous storm inundated rural towns, triggered landslides, and left streets submerged under neck-deep waters, particularly in the eastern county of Yilan.
Authorities said that while Fung-wong had weakened significantly after its deadly rampage through the northern Philippines—where it killed at least 27 people—it still brought extreme rainfall and widespread damage to parts of Taiwan.
Widespread Flooding in Yilan and Hualien
Television footage showed devastating scenes in Yilan County, where muddy torrents gushed through streets, sweeping away vehicles and flooding ground floors of homes and shops. In the fishing town of Suao, residents awoke to find their houses submerged under 60 centimeters (nearly two feet) of water.
“The water came in so quickly,” said fisherman Hung Chun-yi, who spent the night clearing thick mud from his home. “It rained so much, and so fast, the drainage couldn’t take it.”
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that Dongshan township in Yilan received an extraordinary 794 millimeters (31 inches) of rainfall on Tuesday alone, one of the heaviest daily totals recorded this year.
The National Fire Agency confirmed that at least 51 people were injured in storm-related incidents, including those struck by falling debris or caught in flash floods.
Mass Evacuations and Emergency Response
The Fire Department said around 8,300 people had been evacuated from flood-prone areas, mostly in Yilan and neighboring Hualien County, as authorities issued landslide warnings for several mountainous regions. Emergency shelters were set up in local schools and community centers to accommodate evacuees.
More than 3,000 military personnel were deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations. Soldiers used rubber boats and amphibious vehicles to reach stranded families as floodwaters rose overnight.
Prime Minister Chen Chien-jen urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm passes. “Even though the typhoon has weakened, the heavy rainfall remains a serious threat,” he said during an emergency briefing. “Our priority is to ensure that every citizen is safe.”
Businesses and Schools Shut Down
Authorities closed schools and offices in most southern and eastern parts of the island as the storm approached. Rail and air transport were partially suspended, with more than 60 domestic flights canceled and train services disrupted due to flooded tracks.
Power outages affected several rural communities, though the state-run Taiwan Power Company said electricity had been restored to most areas by Wednesday afternoon.
In the industrial north, including the city of Hsinchu, home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) — the world’s largest chipmaker — operations remained largely unaffected. The CWA said Fung-wong’s core winds and rainfall would not directly impact northern Taiwan.
Typhoon’s Path and Forecast
Meteorologists said Typhoon Fung-wong weakened from a Category 3 storm to a tropical storm as it crossed the Bashi Channel from the Philippines into Taiwan’s east. The system is expected to graze the island’s southern tip near Taitung County before veering eastward into the Pacific Ocean later Wednesday evening.
“The storm has lost much of its strength, but its interaction with the northeast monsoon has created very unstable conditions,” said CWA meteorologist Lin Yu-ling. “We expect heavy rainfall to continue through Thursday in the eastern and southern regions.”
As of Wednesday morning, wind speeds had dropped to around 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph), down from 150 km/h (93 mph) when it hit the Philippines earlier this week.
Taiwan’s Preparedness and Past Disasters
Taiwan, situated in the western Pacific’s typhoon belt, is frequently hit by tropical cyclones during the rainy season between June and October. However, experts note that Fung-wong’s arrival in mid-November is unusually late, a possible sign of shifting weather patterns linked to climate change.
A typhoon in September had already caused devastating floods that killed 18 people in Hualien, compounding concerns about the island’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
“The intensity and timing of these storms are becoming more unpredictable,” said Dr. Huang Mei-ling, a climate researcher at National Taiwan University. “Taiwan must strengthen flood defenses and drainage infrastructure, especially in rural and mountainous regions.”
Recovery and Aftermath
As floodwaters begin to recede in some areas, residents are returning to their homes to assess the damage. Local governments have begun distributing relief supplies, including bottled water, food, and blankets.
President Lai Ching-te has pledged financial aid and rapid assistance for affected households. “We will stand with every family affected by the typhoon,” Lai said in a televised address. “No one will be left behind.”
The government is also coordinating with agricultural officials to assess crop losses, as the eastern coastal region is known for its rice and fruit production.
Despite the destruction, early evacuations and improved warning systems are believed to have saved many lives. “The quick response by local authorities made a huge difference,” said Yilan County Magistrate Lin Zi-miao. “We were better prepared this time.”
Regional Impact
Fung-wong had earlier ravaged the Philippines, particularly the northern province of Cagayan, where entire towns were submerged. Officials there reported at least 27 deaths and thousands displaced. The storm’s remnants are expected to bring heavy rain to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan later this week before dissipating over the Pacific.
For now, Taiwan continues to face the long process of recovery — clearing debris, restoring infrastructure, and preparing for whatever storm may come next.