TOURIST SPOT. Tourists stroll around the Ximending area in Taipei, Taiwan in this photo taken on Sept. 30, 2024. Super Typhoon Julian or Krathon is forecast to hit the island by Wednesday or Thursday. (PNA photo/contributed)
MANILA – The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) is closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in Taiwan as Super Typhoon Julian, with international name "Krathon", approaches the island after battering several parts of northern Philippines.
In a statement on Tuesday, MECO Chairperson Cheloy Garafil said there are no untoward incidents involving any Filipino in Taiwan at present as the anticipation of torrential rains and storm surge trigger panic buying and evacuation of hundreds in vulnerable areas on the island.
“The MECO continues to monitor the situation of the more than 150,000 Filipino workers and migrants as typhoon Krathon batters Taiwan,” she said.
“Filipino community organizations are advised to coordinate closely with the nearest MECO offices for any contingency needing immediate attention, and adhere to the advisories of Taiwanese authorities for their safety and welfare during the typhoon,” she added.
Garafil said the MECO, including the Migrant Workers Offices in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung are prepared to respond to emergencies.
Taiwan’s weather bureau Central Weather Administration on Tuesday has already raised the “sea and land typhoon warning” in several parts of the island, including Yunlin, Chiayi, Pingtung, Hualien, Taitung, and Penghu Counties; as well as Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung Cities.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. (PNA)
