The Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Tuesday that although Typhoon Fung-Wong has weakened to a tropical storm, the accompanying heavy rains still pose a threat to Taiwan. Consequently, they have expanded the land warning area from the Kaohsiung-Pingtung area to include Tainan, Taitung, and likely Chiayi, as well.

Since Monday, more than 500 millimeters of rainfall have already accumulated in Yilan, while more than 200 mm of rain has accumulated in Hualien, the mountainous areas of greater Taipei, Pingtung, and Green Island. Through Wednesday, heavy rain will remain possible across the country, with higher elevations potentially seeing torrential conditions.

According to CWA forecaster Chu Mei-lin (朱美霖), the storm circle will enter Taiwan’s southwestern waters Tuesday evening and continue moving northeastward. The strongest impact of Fung-Wong will be felt through Thursday morning.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Tuesday that the central government has integrated inter-ministerial disaster prevention and relief resources and otherwise ensured a coordinated and effective disaster response ahead of the storm’s arrival. “As another typhoon approaches, we hope that the Central Emergency Operation Center will take the lead in issuing all alerts and reminders for local governments, and that local authorities will keep in lockstep with any information or guidance issued by the CEOC,” he said.

Authorities and the general public are paying especially close attention to disaster prevention measures in Hualien’s Guangfu Township, which was catastrophically impacted by the last storm. Cho said more than 6,000 people have already been evacuated from the area.