The strong typhoon Qiangbi is approaching step by step, and sea, land, and air transportation are gradually completing preparations. Among them, the high-speed railway is preparing to operate additional free-seat trains, and the Taiwan Railways is preparing overtime trains on the east and west main lines. Some scheduled trains on the Yilan Line and the northern loop are expected to be suspended tomorrow. In addition, there is still sufficient capacity on the western main lines to help divert high-speed rail passengers.
Typhoon Qiangbi continues to approach Taiwan. The Central Meteorological Administration has issued onshore typhoon warnings for Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, Taichung, Nantou, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. The land police scope will be expanded to the entire island as soon as this evening. The wind circle of Typhoon Qiangbi is expected to hit land early tomorrow morning.
Minister of Transportation Chen Shikai held an inter-department readiness meeting this afternoon. The High-Speed Rail Company has established a forward command post at Taipei Station at 3 pm today to closely monitor the travel situation at each station and prepare to operate additional free-seat trains (except business cars) on a flexible basis to meet the needs of people returning home early.
In addition, the Taiwan Railway Corporation has established a first-level emergency response center to prepare overtime trains on the East and West Main Lines. Some scheduled trains on the Yilan Line and the Northern Circuit are expected to be suspended tomorrow. There is still sufficient capacity on the Western Main Line to help divert high-speed rail passengers.
In terms of highway transportation, the Highway Bureau has strengthened the monitoring and emergency repair and maintenance of disaster-prone road sections such as Suhua and Beiyi, implemented early warning closures when necessary, and coordinated overtime passenger transportation on national highways. The Expressway Bureau has completed typhoon prevention preparations for relevant facilities and accident elimination arrangements, and has canceled some entrance ramp closure measures on October 24, and will make flexible adjustments based on weather conditions and traffic flow.
In terms of aviation and maritime transportation, the Civil Aviation Administration of China has supervised airlines to complete aircraft scheduling and landing preparations, and prepared air transportation backup measures for outlying island transportation and Suzhou-Hua traffic disruptions; Taoyuan Airport Company has completed typhoon prevention preparations for the terminal and construction areas, and strengthened flight changes and passenger movement management. The Port Bureau has started clearing operations in the 12-nautical-mile sea area, pre-positioned large-scale tow and rescue ships, and is monitoring changes in outlying island ship schedules and cruise voyages. The Taiwan Port Administration has completed the preparations for typhoon prevention in the port area and prepared the Suhua Corridor sea transportation backup capacity.
In terms of tourism safety, the Tourism Department has closed 117 high-risk attractions on an early warning basis and strengthened the safety management of recreational facilities. It also continues to monitor tourists staying in Penghu and Matsuyo and coordinate subsequent transportation back to Taiwan.
Regarding transportation construction and construction areas, Chen Shikai requires a comprehensive inspection of work area fences, construction machinery, temporary facilities and drainage systems. In particular, construction sites near roads, railways and densely populated areas should implement inspections and necessary preventive measures to avoid damage to facilities caused by strong winds and heavy rains, affecting surrounding traffic and public safety.
