The aftermath of Typhoon Khanun has wreaked havoc on Taiwan’s mountainous regions, as torrential rains triggered floods and landslides, disrupting transportation links and stranding hundreds of people. Despite the challenging conditions, authorities are working tirelessly to resume normalcy and assist those in need.

The central county of Nantou bore the brunt of the intense rains, with more than 1 meter (3 feet) of rainfall soaking Renai Township since the typhoon grazed past northern Taiwan on Thursday. The deluge has shattered roads and triggered multiple landslides and mudslides, wreaking havoc on the region’s infrastructure.

Local news footage captured the devastating impact, showing a petrol station in Renai buried under landslides, while a nearby motorway was submerged in floodwater, rendering it impassable and cutting off vital transportation links in the mountainous area.

As of Saturday, two people were reported missing, and over 460 individuals were stranded, primarily in remote and hard-to-reach mountainous locations. The government reported no casualties at this point, but the situation remains precarious.

Hsu Shu-Hua, the head of Nantou County, expressed grave concern for the stranded individuals and urgently called on the central government and armed forces to send immediate assistance. With resources and support from the central government, authorities are working diligently to restore infrastructure and transportation networks.

Vice President William Lai vowed to provide the “greatest resources” to aid local authorities in their restoration efforts. In a Facebook post, he urged people to remain cautious and vigilant, as heavy rain was forecast to continue over the weekend, albeit at a reduced level.