TAIPEI, Taiwan — The center of Severe Typhoon Ragasa moved into the southeastern waters of Taiwan on Monday, September 22, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that threaten Taitung, Pingtung, the Hengchun Peninsula, and Kaohsiung. Authorities have rolled out precautionary measures, including suspensions in transport services and the closure of several tourist sites.
Transport Disruptions
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Flights: All scheduled flights to Hualien and Taitung were canceled. Both Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air suspended all outlying island routes starting at noon on the 22nd.
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Sea Routes: The Maritime and Port Bureau confirmed the suspension of 13 routes covering 88 sailings. On the same day, the Mini Three Links routes—Kinmen-Jinmen and Kinmen-Xiamen—were also halted.
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Railways: The Taiwan Railway Administration announced that trains on all lines would run normally before noon. However, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., services along the South-Link Line were suspended. Meanwhile, the Alishan Forest Railway halted five morning services and confirmed a full suspension on September 23 and 24.
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Ports: Kaohsiung Port ordered vessels to either leave within a specified time frame or secure their mooring lines to minimize risks from strong winds and waves.
Tourist Site Closures
Authorities also ordered the temporary closure of tourist attractions and nature reserves:
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Yilan: Guishan Island (Sept. 21–23), Fushan Botanical Garden (Sept. 22), and Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area (from 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 21).
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Alpine Farms: The Veterans Affairs Council shut Wuling, Cingjing, and Fushoushan Farms beginning the afternoon of Sept. 22.
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National Parks: Yushan National Park and Shei-Pa National Park announced full closure and restricted entry from Sept. 21.
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Forest Areas: The Hualien, Taitung, and Pingtung branches of the Forestry and Conservation Administration suspended access to forest recreation areas and trails starting Sept. 22, including those in Kenting and Shuangliu.
Events Cancelled
The 2025 Water Dance Carnival scheduled at Xikou Wharf and Rainbow Bridge in Songshan was suspended for Sept. 22 and 23 due to storm conditions.
Safety Reminder
Officials continue to urge residents and travelers to remain cautious, monitor updates, and avoid coastal and mountainous areas as Typhoon Ragasa intensifies. Further announcements regarding work and school suspensions will be issued by local governments depending on storm developments.
