Taipei: Taiwan shut down ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey on Thursday with all cities and counties declaring a day off, financial markets closed and domestic flights cancelled for what is expected to be the largest storm by size in 30 years.
The storm is forecast to make landfall on the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast around midday (0400 GMT), according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, with strong winds and torrential rain affecting almost all the island.
Up to 1.2 metres (3.9 feet) of rainfall is expected in eastern Taiwan with destructive winds along coastal areas, according to the administration.
The defence ministry has put 36,000 troops on standby to help with rescue efforts while 4,500 people have been evacuated from high risk areas ahead of time, the government said.
The government has warned people to stay away from the mountains and the coast.
Kong-rey is forecast to weaken as it crosses the central part of Taiwan then move into the Taiwan Strait and graze China on Friday morning.
Subtropical Taiwan is frequently hit by typhoons. The last one, Typhoon Krathon, killed four people earlier this month as it passed through the south of the island.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
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