Extremely heavy rain after Typhoon Khanun caused destructions, landslides, road blocks and triggered floods in parts of central Taiwan on Saturday. Several hundred people were left stranded in the mountainous regions as authorities rushed to restart the transportation links and clear the blocked roads after intense rainfall, reported news agency Reuters. Rains have wreaked havoc in the central county of Nantou after Typhoon Khanun ravaged parts of northern Taiwan last Thursday. Over 1 m (3 feet) of rainfall caused flooding in Renai Township.
Heavy downpour has shattered roads and triggered landslides and mudslides in many areas of Taiwan. According to Reuters, the local media reported that a petrol station in Renai was buried by landslides, and a motorway in the vicinity was flooded. This has resulted in cutting off the key transportation link in the mountainous area as well.
Notably, around two people have gone missing and more than 460 continue to be stranded all over the country. Meanwhile, such incidents have mostly been reported from remote areas in mountainous ranges, said the government as reported by PTI. Officials also added that no casualties have been reported so far.
The head of Nantou County Hsu Shu-Hua said some people were stranded in the mountains and requested the central government and armed forces to send in help as soon as possible, reported Reuters citing Central News Agency.
Meanwhile, Vice President William Lai promised to provide the "greatest resources" to help local authorities restore infrastructure and transportation in the areas affected by heavy rain.
He was quoted as saying by Reuters: "Although Typhoon Khanun is gradually moving away from us, people should still make related preparations and must pay attention to rains and winds, as well as your safety.”
Moreover, local weather departments have predicted heavy rain will continue over the weekend. Officials also issued landslide warnings to people living in mountainous regions of central and southern Taiwan.