Typhoon Qiangbi caused power outages for 146,000 households. Taipower made emergency repairs across regions and restored power to 84% of the population.

The wind and rain may continue to intensify after nightfall. Taipower will actively work to repair the power supply. We also ask the public to be patient and tolerant to Taipower colleagues. The picture shows Taipower colleagues carrying out tree and bamboo removal operations in Xiulin Township, Hualien County. (Provided by Taipower)

[Reporter Lin Jinghua/Reporting from Taipei] Typhoon Qiangbi's storm circle gradually enveloped Taiwan today (23rd), and wind and rain continued to intensify in various places. As of 8 pm today, more than 146,000 households across the country had experienced power outages, and power has been restored to more than 122,000 households, with a power restoration rate of nearly 84%. Taipower explained that the main power outage areas are currently concentrated in Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, Yunlin County and Tainan City. On the premise of ensuring safety, Taipower has sent personnel to actively repair the power outages. Wind and rain may continue to intensify after nightfall in some areas. Poor visibility at night and obstructions such as fallen trees will also make emergency repairs more difficult. Taipower will depend on the wind and rain conditions and appeals to the public to be patient and tolerant to Taipower colleagues.

Taipower stated that considering that the north and northeast may be more severely affected by the typhoon after nightfall, Taipower has activated a cross-regional support mechanism, dispatching a total of 5 districts and 15 work teams in the central and southern regions to go north for support, and immediately plan the emergency repair process in response to the disaster.

Taipower explained that due to strong winds and heavy rains, disasters have occurred in various places. For example, in Taichung City, Yilan County, Hualien County, etc., road trees collapsed and downed power lines, causing power outages. Currently, Taipower continues to work closely with local governments, transportation departments, and other relevant units. When encountering fallen trees or roadblocks that impede emergency repairs, or road collapse that affects the passage of construction vehicles, Taipower will immediately request relevant units to assist in removing obstacles to improve emergency repair efficiency.

Taipower pointed out that if a typhoon causes a power outage, the power restoration procedure will be gradually carried out based on the principle of "power supply hub substation → main line → branch line", and priority will be given to restoring public facilities such as MRT, trains, tap water and telephone communications.

Taipower reminds the public that if they find a power outage, or encounter damaged or downed wires or toppled electrical equipment on the road, they can use the "Taiwan Electric Power APP" to report a power outage for repair, or inquire and report in the "Typhoon Power Outage and Restoration Information" section of the Taipower website. Taipower emergency repair personnel will go there as soon as possible to deal with it. Do not pick up or touch it yourself to ensure safety.