With Tropical Storm Trami moving toward the Taiwan area, Premier Jiang Yi-huah today instructed Executive Yuan Deputy Secretary-General Chien Tai-lang to convene a meeting of government agencies to coordinate typhoon preparation efforts.
The meeting was held at the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) and attended by representatives from the Executive Yuan's Office of Disaster Management, Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Council of Agriculture (COA), CWB and National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction.
Trami is the 12th storm of this Pacific typhoon season. According to the CWB, the storm's maximum effects are expected to be felt on August 21 and 22, with August 21 coinciding with high tides and Ghost Festival in Taiwan. Typhoons traveling on a similar path have wreaked havoc on northern and northeastern Taiwan in the past. Deputy Secretary-General Chien reminded officials to make sure that local governments take all necessary precautions such as clearing underground sewages, shoring up dams and water facilities, battening down construction sites, and protecting vulnerable roads and bridges. Restoration projects on sites damaged by last month's Typhoon Soulik should also be secured.
Chien also asked the COA to ensure that agricultural produce is sufficient for Ghost Festival demands and to help local governments harvest crops ahead of time. Fishery radio stations will broadcast safety advisories to vessels at sea. Chien reminded the MOI to test all emergency communication systems and discourage mountain hiking during this period. The MOEA and MOI will notify local governments to prepare sandbags and water pumps in case of flooding, particularly in coastal or low-lying areas.
The Executive Yuan directed the CWB to stay on top of Trami's latest movements, maintain close communication with emergency response units, and advise the public on proper storm precautions. Citizens are urged to be cautious when going outdoors, follow weather and typhoon developments, and cooperate with evacuation and road closing orders for their own safety.