The government says those who refuse to evacuate coastal areas during typhoons could face a hefty fine. Under the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act, violators could be fined up to NT$250,000 (US$8,300).
The Central Weather Bureau has already lifted land and sea warnings against Typhoon Mitag after the storm hit Taiwan on Monday.
A coastal patrol guard asked a fisherman to get off his boat on Monday after sea and land warnings for Typhoon Mitag were issued. He responded to the call to evacuate but not everyone was cooperative. Two other fishermen didn’t care at all, saying there was nothing to be afraid of.
At a harbor in western Miaoli County, a woman braced the strong winds just to take photos of the large waves there. “It’s too dangerous,” shouted the guard.
In Changhua County, people kept fishing too despite the warnings.
Coast guard official Wang Chien-ming said they had persuaded 340 people and 82 cars to evacuate. Those who don’t evacuate during typhoons could face a hefty fine.