Premier Sean Chen on August 2 again visited the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) to monitor Typhoon Saola's latest movements and the heavy rainfall it dumped across Taiwan.
The premier noted that Saola had been traveling in an unusual pattern, making landfall in Taiwan twice in just 12 hours. Though it has already departed from the island, the premier asked government agencies to remain vigilant and to swiftly restore roads and vital utility lines before the public resumes work and classes on August 3.
The CEOC reminded local governments numerous times to enforce precautionary evacuations and set up temporary shelters, particularly in easily isolated villages or communities, said Chen. Frontline rescuers were also urged to be careful for their own safety when conducting operations.
Premier Chen instructed members of various CEOC task forces to stay on top of disaster developments and to provide local governments with the latest analyses and any assistance they need.
As of 5 p.m. on Thursday, a total of 326 yellow and 835 red alerts had been issued for areas at risk of landslide or flooding. As of 3:30 p.m., 6,707 people had been evacuated in 64 villages, townships, boroughs and districts in 14 cities and counties, while 88 temporary shelters were set up for 2,835 people. In all, the typhoon left five dead, two missing and 15 injured, according to the CEOC.