Taiwan: Transport disruptions, offices closed July 10 as Typhoon Maria approaches /update 1

Event

Air, rail, and road services are impacted Tuesday, July 10, as Super Typhoon Maria approaches the island. As of Tuesday morning (local time), Maria was located around 500 km (310 miles) east of Yilan county, moving north at a speed of 30 km/h (18 mph), with landfall forecast in the north of the island overnight July 10-11.

Over 250 domestic and international flights operated by China Airlines, EVA Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Tigerair Taiwan have been canceled. Train services have also been disrupted (cancelations, delays); Taiwan’s high-speed rail service is, however, operating normally. Ferry services have been suspended.

Authorities in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu ordered offices to close beginning at 16:00 on Tuesday.

Context

Taiwan is frequently hit by typhoons in summer. In 2009, Typhoon Morakot - the deadliest to hit the island - killed 700 people.

Advice

Individuals present in the north of Taiwan are advised to monitor the situation, minimize outdoor activities, anticipate impact on transportation, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.