Typhoon Usagi, a powerful storm, wreaks havoc; impact on scenic spots and events across Taiwan

▲ As the typhoon approaches, the yellow rubber duck and its floating platform were brought ashore and deflated to avoid the storm. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

This Mid-Autumn Festival is anything but peaceful. The powerful Typhoon Usagi has arrived during the holiday break, even being called “the most structurally perfect storm.” The Taitung County Government earlier announced that work and classes would be suspended in Lanyu (Orchid Island) this afternoon. ETtoday EVA Air Travel Cloud has compiled the latest information on the impact on scenic areas, events, and transportation across Taiwan.

All national parks issue blanket entry bans

After issuing a maritime typhoon warning at 11:30 p.m. on the 19th, Yushan, Taroko, and Shei-Pa National Parks have announced a complete ban on entering ecological reserves and hiking trails to prevent potential threats to visitors' safety from landslides and mudflows caused by heavy rain. Kenting National Park has also erected red warning flags on all beaches, advising the public not to approach due to high waves and dangerous conditions.

The Forestry Bureau announces the closure of forest recreation areas and nature trails, and advises against mountain travel in the coming days.

According to an announcement on the Forestry Bureau’s official website, 14 forest recreation areas—including Taipingshan, Guanwu, Neidong, Dongyanshan, Manyueyuan, Aowanda, Alishan, Tengjhih, Shuanglian, Kenting, Zhiben, Xiangyang, Chinan, and Fuyuan—have been closed. The Wulai Forest Railway is also suspended. The forest recreation areas of Daxueshan, Baxianshan, Wuling, and Hehuanshan will be closed starting today (September 20) at 3 p.m.

Taiwan Railways adjusts night train services in southern, Hualien-Taitung, and southern regions

Based on forecasts from the Central Weather Bureau, Typhoon Usagi poses a threat to the southern, Hualien-Taitung, and southern regions. At 3 p.m., the bureau announced on its official website that all night train services on the “Shulin–Taipei–Taitung” and “Xinzuoying–Kaohsiung–Taitung” routes (trains 606, 5628, 313, and 707) will be suspended across all sections. If heavy rain on the South Link Line meets suspension criteria on the 21st, all train services will be halted, with adjustments made according to weather conditions. In addition, due to the closure of the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, Alishan Forest Railway services will be suspended starting the 21st.

For details on suspended or additional services, please visitthe Taiwan Railways official website

Kaohsiung’s “Yellow Rubber Duck” deflated and moved ashore at Glory Pier

According to Lin Rui-long, spokesperson for the Kaohsiung City Government, considering the stability of the Yellow Rubber Duck exhibition and visitor safety, a typhoon prevention mechanism was activated at noon today. The duck and its floating platform were lifted ashore, deflated, and covered with tarpaulins before being secured onshore at Glory Pier. The surrounding vendor area and the official Yellow Duck merchandise booth have also been temporarily closed. After the land typhoon warning is lifted, the resumption of the exhibition will be reassessed based on actual weather conditions.

>>>>> Click here for more photos of the Yellow Duck going into the water on the 19th