TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Emergency Operation Center on Tuesday said a tropical disturbance near Guam could strengthen into a typhoon and bring torrential rain to eastern Taiwan, potentially triggering evacuations downstream of the Mataian Creek barrier lake in Hualien County, per CNA.

Deputy Interior Minister Wu Tang-an (吳堂安) said the Central Weather Administration expects the tropical disturbance, designated 96W, to develop and move through the Bashi Channel between southern Taiwan and Luzon on Sunday and Monday, bringing heavy rain to eastern Taiwan.

The CEOC said if rainfall exceeds a warning threshold, either a "yellow alert" will be issued, triggering precautionary evacuations, or a “red alert,” requiring mandatory evacuations. Local governments are instructed to heed the directive, affecting residents of Guangfu, Fonglin, and Wanrong.

Residents in the three townships have been advised to prepare emergency kits containing water, food, medication, and other essentials, and to seek shelter with relatives or at designated evacuation centers.

The Hualien County Government has also been advised to follow a three-phase evacuation plan: the first phase includes elderly individuals living alone, people with disabilities, and those who are sick, followed by residents of single-story homes, and finally, all remaining residents in disaster-prone areas.

Wu urged local governments to fully carry out the CEOC directives and ensure the timely dissemination of accurate information, warning that those spreading false information could face prosecution.

“Preventing disaster is more important than rescue efforts; evacuations are often the best form of disaster prevention,” said Wu.