Although Typhoon Soulik has roared quickly across Taiwan and spared Yilan and New Taipei counties from heavy flooding, the island is not entirely out of the woods yet, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said during a visit to the Central Emergency Operating Center this morning.
The latest data from the Central Weather Bureau indicate that the mountains of Hsinchu and Miaoli may still receive 700 to 1,000 millimeters of rain—large enough to trigger landslides— and that the storm's circulation could create heavy residual precipitation. Premier Jiang instructed the Council of Agriculture to keep a close eye on rainfall conditions in central and southern mountainous areas over the next couple of days. Low-lying areas in eastern Taiwan are also recovering from flooding and seawater intrusion. The premier asked central government agencies to stay in close communication with local authorities.
As of this morning, over 8,000 people had been evacuated nationwide and 3,500 remain in shelters. Casualties were low this time mainly because all evacuations were quickly carried out within a day. Sadly however, apart from 21 minor injuries, Soulik left in its wake one fatality when a brick wall collapsed on a police officer in New Taipei City. Premier Jiang asked the National Policy Agency to offer a higher condolence payment to the officer's family.
With Soulik now heading away from Taiwan, Jiang directed government agencies to restore vital services and transportation links as swiftly as possible. Approximately 450,000 households are currently without electricity but power is expected to be restored by tonight. The Ministry of the Interior will also work with local authorities to make sure that the thousands still waiting in shelters do not return home until landslide warnings are lifted and roads declared safe.
As for transportation, the high-speed rail will be fully operational by afternoon or evening. The premier instructed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to announce traffic restorations promptly and keep the public apprised. The Ministry of Defense had earlier dispatched troops around the country to assist in evacuation and sandbagging operations; they also stand ready to help with disaster recovery wherever and whenever the need arises.