Typhoon Usagi Ruffles “Duck’s Heart”: Giant Rubber Duck Deflates at Noon on the 20th to Avoid the Storm

▲ The yellow duck only just “proudly” entered the harbor today, but unfortunately, the typhoon has forced it to deflate. (Photo / From Kaohsiung Incredible fan page)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

The giant yellow rubber duck only just arrived at Kaohsiung’s Glory Pier today (19th), attracting nearly 100,000 visitors to “witness” its arrival in the harbor. However, earlier, the official fan page of the Kaohsiung City Government—Kaohsiung Incredible—announced that due to the approach of Typhoon Usagi, the yellow duck will be hoisted onto the pier at noon on the 20th and temporarily deflated to avoid the typhoon.

>>>>>Click here for more photos of the yellow duck's launch on the 19th

In preparation for the much-anticipated yellow duck, staff began inflating it as early as 6 a.m. at Pier-2 Art Center, deploying two cranes and working all day before finally unveiling the duck to nearly 100,000 people at 4 p.m. However, with Typhoon Usagi approaching, Kaohsiung’s Government Information Office Director Lai Jui-long previously stated that, out of concern for the storm’s impact, the base of the duck had already been reinforced and even welded more securely during the morning’s full rehearsal, making the duck “stronger.”

However, as Moderate Typhoon Usagi approaches Taiwan, according to the Central Weather Bureau, the storm’s circulation continues to expand, and the eye of the typhoon has become quite distinct, raising the possibility that it could intensify into a severe typhoon, potentially extending its impact on the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period. Therefore, to ensure safety, the Kaohsiung City Government has decided to hoist the yellow duck onto the shore of Glory Pier at noon on the 20th, deflate it, and cover it with tarpaulin. Those eager to see the yellow duck can visit earlier in the morning.