Typhoon Danas Devastates Taiwan: 2 Dead, Hundreds Injured

Typhoon Danas has made a significant impact on Taiwan, particularly affecting the southwestern region, with fatalities and widespread injuries reported.

A large shop sign collapsed on the road in the aftermath of Typhoon Danas in Chiayi, Taiwan on Monday. Credit...via Taiwan's Central News Agency By Amy Chang Chien July 7, 2025, 1:16 a.m. ET Typhoon Danas has left Taiwan reeling after striking the island's southwestern coast late Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and over 300 injuries. According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, Danas made landfall in Chiayi County with Category 1 hurricane strength and subsequently moved offshore, becoming a tropical storm as it moved towards mainland China on Monday afternoon.

As reported by Taipower, the state electricity provider, nearly 400,000 households experienced power outages following the storm, prompting closures of schools and businesses in numerous cities and counties. While summer typhoons are not uncommon in Taiwan, the trajectory of Typhoon Danas was unusual, impacting areas typically less affected. The storm marked the first instance since 1958 that a typhoon made landfall in Chiayi County, as noted by weather experts.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te commented on the storm's rare path via social media, cautioning that the entire island would experience adverse weather conditions. The two fatalities confirmed occurred in Tainan, the historical capital of Taiwan, where a 60-year-old man lost his life due to a power outage affecting his medical equipment, and a 69-year-old man was killed when a tree fell on him. Full details on the conditions of the injured individuals have not been released, as the government continues to assess the aftermath of the storm.

Amy Chang Chien is a reporter and researcher for The Times in Taipei, covering Taiwan and China.