The Executive Yuan's Office of Disaster Management called a meeting of government ministries and agencies today in preparation for Tropical Storm Kai-tak as it moves 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 1 p.m. to hear the latest weather analysis and coordinate disaster preparedness efforts.
The eye of Kai-tak is expected to pass over Hengchun Peninsula at the southern tip of Taiwan on Thursday, bringing heavy precipitation to eastern and southern areas of the island. Based on the storm's current path, a sea alert may be issued as early as August 14, said the CWB.
Tomorrow, eastern and southern Taiwan could see gradually increasing rainfall from the storm's outer arms while strong tides are expected along the coasts of Hualien and Taitung. The public is urged to refrain from water or mountain activities.
The Executive Yuan has asked the MOI to work with local governments to complete all preparatory work as early as possible. The MOTC will monitor conditions at Orchid Island and Green Island for traveler safety and watch over fishing vessels off eastern Taiwan and in the Bashi Channel. The Executive Yuan reminds citizens to take full precautions ahead of the storm and to cooperate with authorities during evacuation and emergency operations.