Taiwan has initiated large-scale evacuations and school closures as Tropical Storm Fung-wong approaches the island’s southern region. Over 8,300 residents, primarily from the eastern Hualien County, have been relocated to safer areas. This precautionary measure follows the devastation caused by a previous typhoon in September, which claimed 18 lives in the same region. Fung-wong, which previously wreaked havoc in the Philippines as a super typhoon, has weakened but still poses significant threats. As of Wednesday morning, the storm was located approximately 140 kilometers southwest of Taiwan, moving northeast at 16 kph. It is expected to graze southern Taiwan before exiting from the southeastern side. Heavy rains and flooding have already injured at least 51 people, according to the National Fire Agency. Authorities have urged residents to avoid coastal areas, where waves could reach heights of 3 to 5 meters. In the Philippines, over 623,300 people remain in evacuation centers following the storm’s earlier impact, which caused landslides, power outages, and at least 27 deaths. The Cordillera region, known for its scenic landscapes, was particularly affected by landslides. Schools and offices in central and southern Taiwan, including major cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, have been closed, while the capital, Taipei, continues normal operations.