Limited transport disruptions reported as storm nears Taiwan

Taipei, Nov. 11 (CNA) Taiwan reported limited transportation disruptions on Tuesday as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong approached it from the south and brought heavy rain to the eastern and southern parts of the island.

In Hualien County, an overflow from Matai'an Creek flooded a section of Provincial Highway 9 near the 231-kilometer mark, prompting the Highway Bureau to close the road and conduct safety checks.

According to the bureau, temporary lanes in both directions of the Matai'an Creek bridge were closed Monday, with the closed zone extended north to the 228.5 km mark near Fenglin Township and south to 236.5 km near Guangfu Township.

The Hualien County government has also imposed precautionary closures on several township and access roads, including some in Wanrong, Yuli and Fuli townships, as well as in mountainous areas.

So far, 7,442 residents have been evacuated from landslide- and flood-prone areas, with 785 sheltered in temporary housing.

Meanwhile, the Maritime and Port Bureau said 99 ferry sailings on eight routes, including the Keelung-Matsu, Matsu-Fuzhou, and Fugang-Green Island routes, were suspended Tuesday due to rough seas.

Penghu Airport announced the cancellation of 11 flights to the main island of Taiwan after 3:20 p.m. Tuesday to ensure flight safety and complete typhoon preparedness. Nearly 400 passengers with reservations were affected, the airport said.

At noon Tuesday, Fung-Wong was centered about 340 kilometers southwest of Taiwan's southern tip, moving north-northeast at 11 kilometers per hour, according to the Central Weather Administration.

Authorities reminded residents near Matai'an Creek to remain alert, particularly those in areas affected by the September barrier lake breach that killed 19 people and left five missing after severe flooding in Guangfu.