Typhoon Sepat Ravages Taiwan.

by TyphoonHunter | August 18, 2007 at 02:04 pm
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Typhoon Sepat strikes Taiwan, eyewall + biblical floods pt 1

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Typhoon Sepat strikes Taiwan, eyewall + biblical floods pt 1

Photos

Supertyphoon Sepat Strengthens, Threatens Taiwan.

Supertyphoon Sepat Strengthens, Threatens Taiwan.

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uploaded by TyphoonHunter

Typhoon Sepat Ravages Taiwan.

Typhoon Sepat made landfall today to the south of the port town of Hualien. According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, Sepat packed winds gusting to 138mph when it struck in the early hours. Media reports in Taiwan indicated that as much as 850mm of rain fell in eastern parts of the island.

Many rivers along the east coast are in full flood and there were some bridge closures earlier today to the south of Hualien due to dangerously high water levels. The picturesque Toroko Gorge was a scene of chaos as flash floods blocked the road and made travel to the area extremely dangerous.

According to AFP electricity was disrupted to over 240,000 households and China Airlines cancelled all of its domestic flights.

I am in Hualien and encountered the full force of the typhoon this morning. I travelled 25miles to the south of Hualien and took shelter in a hospital whilst documenting the strongest part of typhoon Sepat. I will upload photos and film shortly.

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Brian A Kennedy
Brian A Kennedy
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 03:35 on August 15th, 2007

Great stuff, TyphoonHunter! Looking forward to your coverage.

jayr_patron
jayr_patron
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 05:34 on August 15th, 2007

The typhoon surely made its presence be felt in the Philippines and it's not over yet -- its slow speed (7mph) protracts its effect.  Good luck, TyphoonHunter. I'm sure this will make another news as it hits Taiwan.  Good stuff.

ryan
ryan
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 06:55 on August 15th, 2007

TyphoonHunter, sounds serious...stay safe, looking forward to your reports. Good Stuff.

Jordan Yerman
Jordan Yerman
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 07:09 on August 15th, 2007

TyphoonHunter, I know I say this every time, but stay dry and stay safe. Thanks for your above-and-beyond investigative efforts.

0
TyphoonHunter

This is shaping up to be a very big deal for Taiwan. I'll stay safe and sound and provide as continuous updates as is possible to NP!

PEP
PEP
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 18:34 on August 15th, 2007

Totally awesome stuff. Stay safe.

0
TyphoonHunter

The storm is maintaining its 160mph wind strength and is expected to strike central Taiwan on 18th. This is a potentially catastrophic situation. Typhoon warnings have already been issued in Taiwan. I am at Shanghai airport and will be arriving in Taipei tonight at 2340.

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Joe Surfer

Ahoj, James! Glad to see you're on this beast. Have fun and get some good pics.

 

Your pal, Joe 

0
TyphoonHunter

Hey Joe.


Conditions are atrocious outside and wind and rain is really hammering down. A taster of what is to come!

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Jordan Yerman

Batten down the hatches, mate. Good luck, and stay safe.

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PEP

Stay in touch!

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TyphoonHunter

I am fine and well after one hell of a 18 hours of the most unimaginable ferocious winds, endless rain and flash flooding. I will post updates, pictures and video within the next couple of hours.

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Victoria Revay

These images are amazing. Thanks and keep safe.

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PEP

Absolutely awesome photos. Great work! Stay safe, though.

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Vinny

TyphoonHunter, thanks for getting this story out so quickly. It will now show up on the home page for four hours. If new developments justify it, I'll renew this flag for another cycle.

Vinny
Vinny
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 06:14 on August 18th, 2007

TyphoonHunter, Stay safe.

gryphon
gryphon
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 08:29 on August 19th, 2007

TyphoonHunter, Good stuff.

0
TyphoonHunter

I'm back in Shanghai now. Sepat was responsible for about 14 deaths in mainland China. I've uploaded 2 films to Youtube and added them to this story. They document the wrath of Sepat as it made landfall in Taiwan.

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ryan

Glad to hear you're safe. The videos are amazing!

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Joe Surfer

James, if you get a chance, swing by the ol tornado blog and share some of your pics w/ the Okies. The troops will love it! Take care and glad it all worked out for ya.

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