Taiwan shuts schools and offices ahead of likely direct hit from powerful typhoon

Associated Press

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan has canceled dozens of flights, closed schools and offices and evacuated hundreds from vulnerable areas around the island ahead of a strong typhoon expected to hit its heavily populated western coast. More than 500 people were moved from mountainous regions prone to landslides, and nearly 40,000 troops were mobilized to help with rescue efforts. Typhoon Krathon is expected to hit the port city of Kaohsiung in the island’s southwest on Wednesday afternoon, then move across the island. Kaohsiung has a population of 2.7 million. Up to 31 inches of rain was forecast in places. The storm currently has sustained winds of 123 mph.