With Typhoon Kong rey Rapidly Approaching: Mayor Chen Chi mai Directs City Agencies to Enhance Typhoon Preparedness

[Kaohsiung News] According to the Central Weather Administration, Typhoon Kong-rey is steadily approaching Taiwan. On October 29, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai chaired a municipal administrative meeting to closely monitor the typhoon's path, instructing city departments to proactively prepare for disaster prevention. Mayor Chen directed the Civil Affairs Bureau and district offices to inventory essential supplies like sandbags and generators, ensuring they are fully prepared. The Water Resources Bureau has been tasked with closely monitoring water levels and reinforcing flood gates and pumps. The Environmental Protection Bureau is intensifying drainage cleaning efforts, while all departments are advised to remain agile and vigilant, following the disaster response protocols to prioritize risk reduction in response to extreme weather conditions. In a press interview prior to the meeting, Mayor Chen also reminded the public to stay informed on typhoon developments and prepare in advance.

Based on forecasts, Typhoon Kong-rey is expected to approach Taiwan's coastal waters on the afternoon of October 30 with maximum intensity nearing that of a severe typhoon. As the typhoon's path remains uncertain and international forecast models are adjusting southward, potential impacts on Kaohsiung may intensify. Mayor Chen emphasized that the next two days will likely bring the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall, urging residents to take precautionary measures and not to underestimate the storm's potential impact.

In response to the disruptions in water and electricity caused by Typhoon Krathon, Mayor Chen has directed the Civil Affairs Bureau, district offices, and village chiefs to strengthen coordination with Taiwan Water Corporation and Taiwan Power Company. The City Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, will stay updated on any disaster developments to ensure effective response measures for water and power restoration, safeguarding the public's lives and property.

This municipal administrative meeting also featured a keynote lecture by environmental law expert Professor Chien-te Fan, titled "Carbon Fees and Kaohsiung's Net-Zero Vision through a Twin Transition." Professor Fan provided an in-depth comparison of carbon trading, carbon taxes, and carbon fees, outlining the structure of Taiwan's carbon fee system, relevant regulations, and current challenges. He offered recommendations on carbon fee collection and future applications and analyzed the unique challenges and opportunities facing Kaohsiung. Following the lecture, Mayor Chen emphasized that with rapid and evolving trends, it is essential to continually absorb new knowledge to better understand the challenges businesses face and to provide suitable support and resources, underscoring Kaohsiung's commitment to achieving net-zero transformation.