Typhoon Podul made landfall on Taiwan's southeastern coast on August 13, 2025, bringing intense weather conditions with gusts reaching up to 191 km/h. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that the typhoon made landfall near Taitung City at approximately 1:00 PM local time, with sustained winds of 155 kph. The regions of Taitung and Hualien bore the brunt of the storm's force.
The typhoon's intensity led to significant disruptions across the island. Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled, and ferry services were suspended. Over 5,500 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas, with many seeking shelter in designated centers. The Sansiiantai scenic area in Taitung was closed due to severe weather and the risk of landslides. Other attractions and businesses in Taitung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan temporarily ceased operations. The CWA forecast substantial rainfall, with mountainous areas in Kaohsiung and Pingtung expected to receive between 400-600 millimeters of rain from August 12 to August 14. The typhoon was projected to move northwestward, crossing the Taiwan Strait and posing a threat to southern China.