Typhoon Bavi, described as one of the largest storms to hit Taiwan in more than 30 years, has already caused significant damage in parts of Asia.
At least 15 people were killed and six others remain missing after landslides triggered by heavy rains on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, authorities said.
In Taiwan, nearly 9,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, with more than half in the mountainous eastern county of Hualien. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled, while schools and businesses across northern and eastern parts of the island have been shut.
The storm is expected to bring maximum sustained winds of up to 155kmh, with gusts reaching 190kmh, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. Its wide radius – about 380km – makes it the largest typhoon to affect the island in decades.
More than 28,000 troops have been placed on standby for emergency response.
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