Premier Mao Chi-kuo has warned local governments across southern Taiwan to be on alert as Typhoon Soudelor continues to batter the island.
During a visit to the Central Emergency Operation Center on Saturday, Mao said that rainfall is expected to shift from northern and eastern areas of the island to the south. Mao said he hopes that the Central Emergency Operation Center will work with local governments in southern Taiwan to determine which areas will be in need of timely assistance.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chen Wei-zen has told government agencies in charge of roads, electricity and transport systems to begin preparing to repair damaged infrastructure.
Chen said that he has instructed police units and local governments to investigate and report on local conditions and to search for missing persons. Chen also said he has instructed police and officials in areas under landslide warnings to provide emergency shelter and calm residents.
Chen said that falling trees and signs have been the cause of several deaths reported so far. He urged the public to avoid going outside as the storm begins to move away from Taiwan.