The Central Weather Bureau predicts that Typhoon Saola will approach its closest point to Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday. Saola marks the ninth moderate typhoon to impact Taiwan this year.
A sea warning is already in place for the Bashi Channel, and a land warning has been issued for Pintung County. Substantial rainfall is expected along the east coast and in the southern mountainous regions starting from Wednesday.
Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) says that while Typhoon Saola's trajectory positions itself south of Taiwan, the east and north of the country will be most affected by strong gusts. Vigilance should be increased and preparedness measures should be implemented.
Lin has called upon the transport and agriculture ministries to closely monitor the rainfall and on-site conditions around roads 83, 85, and 89 near Renai Township in Nantou County. Lin also asked local governments to strengthen relevant protection measures in landslide-prone areas in Taitung County, Hualien County, and Pingtung County.