July 7, 2025 – Taiwan — Typhoon Danas made landfall in Budai Township, Chiayi County at 11:40 p.m. last night, marking a historic event as the first typhoon to directly strike Chiayi in 120 years. After sweeping through the central and southern regions of Taiwan overnight, the storm moved out to sea near the border of Miaoli and Hsinchu early this morning. Despite its exit, the powerful typhoon left behind widespread damage, particularly in Nantou County, where severe wind and rain disrupted daily life and critical infrastructure.
Nantou Hit by Fierce Winds and Rain
Nantou County began experiencing the brunt of the typhoon around 1:00 a.m. today, especially in the areas along the Zhuoshui River basin, including Zhushan, Shuili, and Lugu. Gusts of up to level 11 were recorded in Lugu, and Yushan, Taiwan’s highest peak, reported even stronger winds reaching level 13. The powerful gusts knocked down numerous trees, and heavy rains caused localized flooding and landslides.
One major landslide occurred at the 37.6-kilometer mark on County Road 89, cutting off traffic and raising safety concerns. The relentless weather also triggered a series of power outages across Nantou, affecting tens of thousands of households.
Over 21,000 Households Affected by Power Outages
Taipower’s Nantou District Business Office confirmed that the storm brought down many trees and bamboo groves, damaging power lines and electrical equipment throughout the region. At the height of the outage, approximately 21,542 households lost electricity. As of this morning, after extensive emergency repairs, around 17,000 households remained without power.
To speed up restoration, Taipower mobilized close to 200 workers and deployed 31 engineering trucks, 9 cranes, and 27 aerial lifts. The company urged residents to report any downed or exposed power lines immediately and warned against touching them to prevent electric shocks.
Real-Time Monitoring and Public Safety Efforts
Taipower emphasized that its power distribution automation system is actively monitoring the main circuits in real-time. As soon as an issue is detected, repair crews are dispatched to the site. The utility company asked the public for patience during the restoration process and encouraged people to use the Taipower App or visit the official website’s “Typhoon Power Outage and Restore Information” section for updates. Residents can also call the 1911 hotline or the Nantou District Office at 049-2350101 for assistance.
Historic Impact on Chiayi
The storm’s landfall in Budai marked a rare meteorological event for central Taiwan, making Typhoon Danas only the second moderate-strength typhoon to strike the region since Typhoon Wayne in 1986. With gusts reaching up to level 17 in Yunlin’s Kouhu area, the storm’s power remained largely intact even after crossing land, due to its passage along the Taiwan Strait rather than deeper into mountainous terrain.
Local authorities across central and southern Taiwan are continuing cleanup and recovery efforts, as meteorologists monitor the storm’s movement away from the island. Citizens are advised to remain cautious in affected areas and follow official announcements for further weather and safety updates.
