As typhoon Haikui moves towards Taiwan, thousands are evacuated

TAIPEI, Sept 3 (Reuters) – Domestic flights were canceled and nearly 4,000 people evacuated as Typhoon Haikui slammed into southeastern Taiwan on Sunday bringing torrential rain and strong winds.

Haikui made landfall in the mountainous and sparsely populated southeastern tip of Taiwan in mid-afternoon Sunday, the first typhoon to hit Taiwan directly in four years. Counties and cities in the region canceled classes and declared a day off for workers.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told a meeting of disaster management officials that people should avoid going out and not climb mountains, shoreline, fish or do water sports, according to a statement from her office.

The fire department said two people were slightly injured when a tree fell on a truck in eastern Hualien County. There were a few other reports of damage. In the capital, Taipei, there were only sporadic rains.

Haikui is a much weaker storm than Typhoon Saola that hit Hong Kong and southern China’s Guangdong province on Saturday.

Taiwan’s government said 3,729 people had been evacuated, mainly in the south and east.

Taiwanese airlines canceled all domestic flights on Sunday, while ferry services to surrounding islands were also suspended.

There were fewer disruptions to international flights, with only 41 canceled for Sunday, the Civil Aeronautics Administration said.

The military has mobilized soldiers and equipment to help with evacuation efforts and flood relief.

After crossing southern Taiwan, Haikui is expected to enter the Taiwan Strait and head towards China.

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