On the orders of Premier Sean Chen, The Executive Yuan's Office of Disaster Management convened a meeting of government ministries and agencies today in preparation for Jelawat, a strong typhoon moving toward Taiwan.
Officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Council of Agriculture and National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction met at the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) at 10 a.m. to hear the latest meteorological analysis and coordinate disaster preparedness efforts.
The CWB said it expected to issue a sea alert as early as tomorrow before daybreak. The current movement of Jelawat suggests it will be closest to Taiwan on September 28 and 29, with the northern and eastern regions the most likely to experience heavy rainfall.
The Executive Yuan has asked the MOI to work with local governments to complete all precautionary measures as early as possible, especially by preparing evacuation plans and reinforcing shelters in areas hard-hit by Typhoons Tembin and Saola such as Hualien, Taitung, Green Island and Orchid Island. The MOTC was directed to monitor all modes of transportation during the Moon Festival weekend to guarantee travelers' safety and to promptly inform the public through the media if any special measures need to be taken.
As Jelawat is traveling slowly on a still-uncertain course, the CWB and agencies responsible for disaster management will continue to monitor its movement, inform citizens of the latest developments, and complete preparatory work. They are also reminding citizens to take full precautions ahead of the storm and to cooperate with authorities during evacuation and emergency operations to ensure a safe holiday weekend.