Most cities and counties announced a day off from school and work when Typhoon Megi hit Taiwan on Tuesday. But some areas of central and southern Taiwan only gave people the afternoon off, and now residents are petitioning against half-days when typhoons hit Taiwan in the future.
Yunlin, Chiayi and Lienchiang counties, along with Tainan and Kaoshiung cities, had residents go to school and work on Tuesday morning. Residents were upset about the decision, with some saying it was inconvenient and inappropriate as the rest of Taiwan had the whole day off.
An online petition calling for an end to typhoon half-days has already collected more than 5,000 signatures.
Cabinet Spokesperson Tung Chen-yuan said Wednesday that the law gives local government leaders the right to decide whether to close offices and schools during a typhoon. But he said the government would reflect on the problem. He also said the Central Weather Bureau would strive to provide more accurate information so that local officials could make better decisions.