• Typhoon Podul made landfall in Taitung, Taiwan, with winds reaching 191 km/h.
• More than 7,300 people have been evacuated as the storm causes extensive disruptions.
• All domestic and many international flights have been cancelled amidst the typhoon's approach.
• The storm follows a series of severe weather events that previously impacted southern Taiwan.
• Forecasters predict up to 600 mm of rain, intensifying risks of landslides and flooding.

Typhoon Podul hit Taiwan's southeastern coast on August 13, packing winds of up to 191 km/h (118 mph), as authorities were forced to evacuate more than 7,300 people from vulnerable areas. The mid-strength typhoon made landfall in Taitung around 1 p.m. and was expected to continue across the island and into the Taiwan Strait, impacting densely populated areas shortly after that, according to Reuters.

As the typhoon approached, schools and workplaces across the southern regions closed down, and hundreds of flights were cancelled. The Taiwanese government reported a total of 252 domestic flights and 155 international flights had been suspended in response to safety concerns. Among those impacted were major carriers such as China Airlines and EVA Air, which focused cancellations primarily on routes from Kaohsiung, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Forecasters from the Central Weather Administration (CWA) warned of significant rainfall, estimating up to 600 mm (24 inches) in mountainous areas over the coming days. These conditions raised concerns regarding landslides in regions that are still recovering from the damage caused by earlier storms, where previous events led to casualties and displacement, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.

In addition to the evacuations, areas affected by Typhoon Podul saw reports of toppled trees and street signs, alongside power outages affecting over 134,500 households. The National Fire Agency has confirmed one individual missing amidst the storm, highlighting the dangers faced by fishermen and outdoor workers during such severe weather conditions, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.