Taipei Times
Date: Sep 29, 2016
By: Sean Lin and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter and staff writer
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) yesterday called on the Director-General of Personnel Administration
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je yesterday talks to reporters about the criteria for closing schools and offices during typhoons during an inspection of the Chihtan Purification Plant in New Taipei City’s Sindian District. Photo: CNA
to create a more “scientific” method to help local governments decide whether classes and work should be canceled due to a typhoon.
Ko made the remark in response to reporters’ queries following an inspection of the Chihtan Water Purification Plant in New Taipei City’s Sindian District (新店).
Asked if he regretted canceling classes and work yesterday given the calm weather in Taipei, Ko said that according to the Central Weather Bureau regulations, local governments should announce a typhoon day once the average wind speed reaches Level 7 on the Beaufort Scale or the instantaneous wind speed reaches Level 10.
However, other factors also have to be considered when a local government decides whether to announce a typhoon day, for example the potential negative impact on traffic and the expected precipitation, Ko said. [FULL STORY]
