TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said the city would announce Friday evening whether offices and schools would close Saturday due to Typhoon Bavi, CNA reported.
Speaking during an inspection of flood-control projects in Jiangjun, Qigu, and Jiali districts, Huang said the city was assessing the storm’s possible impact. He ordered officials to complete preparations while awaiting the latest government forecast.
In Jiangjun District, Huang reviewed the construction of a barrier along a coastal channel. The project is intended to reduce waves and high tides while lowering flood risk.
Huang noted that the barrier had not yet been completed. However, he said it could already provide some protection during severe weather.
In Qigu District, the city has restored offshore sandbars, raised embankments, and upgraded pumping equipment. Huang said the projects were central to the district’s flood-prevention efforts.
A major floodgate project in Qigu remained under construction. The city expects the work to be completed in 2027.
Huang also inspected drainage improvements in Jiali District. Homes and schools in the area have faced repeated flooding because the existing drainage channel is too narrow.
The city received nearly NT$300 million (US$9.2 million) from the central government for the project. The first phase improved 700 meters of drainage, while the second will upgrade another 1,100 meters.
Huang said Tainan had strengthened flood control since Typhoon Danas caused serious coastal damage in 2025. The city reviewed its response and accelerated several water-management projects after the storm.
“Although Typhoon Bavi had turned north,” Huang said, “its wide wind field could still affect southern Taiwan.” The mayor said the city’s main concern was whether all flood-control and storm preparations would be completed before Bavi arrived.
The city government urged residents to follow official weather updates. It also advised people to stay away from beaches, rivers, and mountain areas while conditions remained unstable.
