This year’s typhoon season has been eventful, with Doksuri leaving significant damage in its wake. Typhoon Saola seems to be gaining strength and is likely to make landfall later this week.
A crowded boatload of both tourists and residents disembark off the ferry between Taitung and Green Island. All trips after 12:30 noon have been canceled due to the approaching Typhoon Saola.
Some tourists who were taking advantage of the last week of summer vacation to visit Green Island expressed their disappointment by saying that the waves have become too dangerous to take a dip.
Whale watching has also been impacted, with customers anticipating rough seas and thereby demanding refunds. Operators will also be suspending tours from the 29th to the 31st.
Ferry companies dispatched three additional boats earlier in the morning to evacuate over 900 passengers and transport supplies such as dry goods, fresh vegetables, fruits, and eggs to the residents who will remain on Green Island for the duration of the storm.
Taitung’s farmers are preparing as well, though they hope the typhoon does not further damage crops that have already been ravaged by insects. Fruit such as sugar apples grow in fragile trees and farmers are tying them down to stand against strong winds. County Mayor Rao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴) visited the orchard to help secure some fruit and speak with the farmers, one of whom explained that this crop must ripen before it can be harvested. They are preparing and waiting for the typhoon.
While farmers tie down their trees, fishermen anchor their boats to be protected in the harbors. This Yilan fishing port is already full of vessels all lashed down and waiting for the impending storm, though hopefully, Typhoon Saola will pass without creating too much damage.