A violent typhoon is approaching Taiwan. Weather authorities are warning of heavy rain, strong winds and high waves.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency says Typhoon Meranti was in seas north of the Philippines, heading west-northwest at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.
It is expected to approach southern Taiwan and southern China from Wednesday through Thursday.
Taiwan’s weather authorities forecast 500 to 800 millimeters of rain in mountainous areas of the island.
Weather authorities in the Philippines and China are also warning of heavy rain.
Winds became stronger in eastern and southern Taiwan on Tuesday night. Gusts of more than 200 kilometers per hour were recorded on Orchid Island in the southeast.
Rain started falling early Wednesday morning in the southern city of Kaohsiung.
Schools and public institutions in the city are closed for Wednesday.
Residents of mountainous areas in the south are evacuating as a precaution against landslides.
The storm is expected to disrupt air traffic, especially flights to and from southern airports.
Authorities in the Philippines are urging residents of the islands in the Bashi Channel and northern Luzon Island to evacuate to designated shelters such as schools and churches.
In northern Luzon, fishermen tied their boats together with ropes, and officials checked the engines of rescue boats.
Source and image: NHK
Join the Conversation