As Typhoon Saola advances, the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung County finds itself under the assault of relentless winds and heavy rain. The crashing waves have grown in height and the area, usually bustling with visitors, now stands almost deserted. With the intensity of the wind and rain, even reporters struggled to maintain their footing.
The county government suspended classes and work across six townships, including Hengchun on Wednesday. Despite the adverse weather, some tourists still ventured out to visit the Houbihu scenic area but weren’t able to approach the cordoned-off shoreline.
A beloved folk custom, part of Hengchun’s long-standing Chiang-Ku ceremony in which participants erect a canopy and scale pillars covered with tallow, racing to the top, was canceled and the teams who had been diligently preparing for the event, were left disappointed. The event was also called off due to pandemic restrictions in 2021.
One team member said they had been practicing for the event since the Dragon Boat Festival and it was like all their efforts had gone to waste because they could no longer compete. The team's leader also felt disheartened, saying that participating in the event was not about money but rather for the sake of competition and he now feels all their hard work was in vain.
After another disappointment this year, participants can only hope that no typhoon will rain on their parade next time around.