Typhoon Danas Lashes Taiwan's West Coast, Causing Casualties and Damage

Typhoon Danas brought severe weather to southern Taiwan early on Monday, impacting the densely populated west coast. The storm brought record winds and heavy rainfall, resulting in two fatalities and over 500 injuries.

Taiwan is accustomed to typhoons, but they typically make landfall on the eastern coast, which is less populated and more mountainous. This event was unusual due to its impact on the western side of the island.

As the storm progressed, businesses and schools were closed along the west coast. Danas reached wind speeds of approximately 220 kilometers per hour as it moved through the southwestern county of Yunlin, having made landfall on Sunday evening.

The storm's impact was evident in the damage it caused. Government data indicated that over 700 trees were uprooted across western cities and towns. Road signs were also torn down and scattered across the streets.

In the southern city of Tainan, the storm's force was visible in the damage to infrastructure. Local television footage showed concrete electric poles snapped at their bases, and a major temple's wooden gate collapsed.