Affected by the Central Typhoon Kemi, the situation across Taiwan is severe. All schools and businesses across the island were closed on the 24th to ensure public safety. This sudden typhoon brought about significant changes across Taiwan, from the closure of Keelung Islet near Okinawa in the east, to the closure of a series of parks in Kaohsiung in the south, demonstrating the widespread impact of the typhoon. As the typhoon approached, many scenic spots and events in Taiwan also made preparations in advance to reduce unnecessary risks.
Keelung Islet will be closed from the 24th to the 26th and reopen on the 27th, temporarily suspending local tourism experiences. In New Taipei City, the water dance installation at Bitan also had to be dismantled, and Shifen Waterfall and Yehliu Geopark announced their closure. These measures aim to protect the safety of all visitors and local residents, avoiding accidents caused by the typhoon. In addition, many popular scenic spots in Taoyuan, such as Xiao Wulai, also chose to close in response to the typhoon warning, further highlighting the impact of Typhoon Kemi.
In addition to some closed scenic spots, many important events were also canceled due to the arrival of Typhoon Kemi. The theme fireworks and stage performances originally scheduled to be held in Taipei City on July 24th were also canceled, leaving many eagerly awaiting tourists disappointed. Especially for those who enjoy these types of activities, this was undoubtedly a disappointing experience. In addition, Guishan Island in Yilan also announced its closure until the 26th under the influence of the typhoon, to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, and to make preparations for other countermeasures.
In Taipei City and New Taipei City, in response to the threat of Typhoon Kemi, many public facilities and scenic spots took precautionary measures to close. Many famous scenic spots in Taoyuan City, such as Xiao Wulai, were also included in the list of closed parks due to the typhoon warning. Yilan's Northeast Coast and Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area also suspended operations to reduce potential risks during the typhoon. In the south, the Starlight Waterfront Park and Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung City also closed one after another to ensure public safety. The Huishe Valley Villa and National Forest Recreation Area in Pingtung also chose to close preemptively to avoid accidents; at the same time, the parade originally scheduled to be held in the summer of 2024 was also announced to be postponed. In particular, the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Carnival was canceled, preventing local residents and tourists from participating in this annual event.
Under the risks brought by Typhoon Kemi, the public should maintain safety awareness and avoid going to affected areas, especially the closed islands and parks. Whether going to Keelung Islet, Guishan Island, or other scenic spots, everyone should abide by official recommendations and safety announcements. It is crucial to continuously pay attention to the typhoon's movements and also to pay attention to notifications from relevant government agencies. For people planning to travel, it is recommended to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, ensure that they plan their itinerary under safe conditions, to avoid accidents under the influence of the typhoon. I hope that everyone can prioritize safety during this special period and properly plan their travels.