Taiwan’s north was barely affected by Typhoon Gaemi, while there was extensive flooding in central and southern regions. The south especially sustained considerable damage. Therefore, it made a lot of sense that the local governments within the stricken areas extended the number of typhoon days.
However, the governments of Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung and Taoyuan canceled classes and work for two days in a row on Wednesday and Thursday last week. Many residents of the special municipalities and Keelung took this as cause for celebration, and public entertainment venues were packed. This is not exactly what typhoon days are for.
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and an international financial hub. The cancelation of work can cause serious problems. Not only does it lead to an economic loss of approximately NT$10 billion to NT$20 billion (US$304.54 million to US$609.09 million), but NT$1.5 billion dollars of securities transaction taxes are lost because the stock market is closed.
Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung and Taoyuan altogether cover a vast geographic area in the north, including cities, townships and mountainous areas. The different terrains are actually affected to different degrees by a typhoon, and yet they are all lumped into one administrative area. This makes the decision of whether to announce a typhoon day problematic for the mayors in those areas.
Moreover, mayors have multiple factors to take into consideration, one of which is voter support, complicating the decision. It is important that when making the decision, they do so sensibly, balancing public safety and economic considerations.
First of all, Taipei should be taken as an exception from the other counties and cities of Taiwan in terms of decisionmaking. If Taipei does not meet the standard, but others do, those who work in the capital, but live outside of Taipei have the right to take the day off or work from home. Taipei residents have to go to work.
Second, the local governments outside of Taipei should also assess and predict potential disaster areas. This way, public safety can be guaranteed and the capital can function properly. The local governments should rise to the occasion and make decisions in a rational and scientific way.
Third, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) should enhance the accuracy of weather predictions with the aid of technology such as artificial intelligence, always with a mind to improving its systems.
Based on the current system, the CWA provides the data for every local government of Taiwan, but the accountability lies with the mayors. It is therefore little wonder that deciding whether to announce a typhoon day becomes a political issue. Mayors’ decisions can easily be swayed by populism. Therefore, the CWA should assume more responsibility for decisionmaking.
The timing and method for issuing a warning can be improved with more reliance on technology. Making good use of the Public Warning System is also important. Through the system, adjustments could be systematically made in urgent situations, so that a better balance between public safety and economic development can be achieved.
If a warning is issued in a more timely manner, the prediction gap would be shortened and decisionmaking would be more efficient and effective.
Whether a typhoon day should be taken is a scientific issue. It should be addressed with the help of technology. Taiwan could learn from how other places, such as Japan and Hong Kong, handle typhoon days.
Chen Yu-hsin is a former Taichung County deputy commissioner.
Translated by Chen Chi-huang
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