Typhoon Koinu threatens Taiwan; hundreds of flights were canceled

Typhoon Koinu was heading south of Taiwan this Wednesday (4), bringing rain and strong winds and causing the cancellation of more than 100 flights, as well as the suspension of working hours and school classes.

Koinu is forecast to hit the southeast coast of Taiwan, near the city of Taitung, on Thursday morning (5), as a category three typhoon. It will then weaken as it crosses the southern tip of the island and enters the Taiwan Strait, according to Tropical Storm Risk.

The heaviest rain will fall in the mountainous and sparsely populated parts of southern Pingtung County and the east coast counties of Taitung and Hualien. The typhoon will also affect the main southern port city of Kaohsiung.

In Taitung, fishermen stored their boats in the harbor as waves gradually became more intense along Taiwan’s east coast.

“We are worried that the rain and wind will be very strong when the typhoon makes landfall. Therefore, on our part, we will strengthen typhoon prevention and hope local residents will stay alert and take care,” said Chen Chia-chen of the Taiwan Ocean Affairs Council, speaking in Taitung.

Kaohsiung and its neighboring city, Tainan, said they would suspend work and classes from 6pm on Wednesday and throughout the day on Thursday.

Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, has been hit by torrential rain but is not expected to be seriously affected. Offices and schools remained open as normal.

Taiwanese airlines canceled 87 domestic flights, while 25 international flights were also cancelled, the Ministry of Transport said.

After passing through Taiwan, the typhoon will head to the southern Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, and then to Hong Kong, where it is likely to weaken further and become a tropical storm.

See also: More than 23 thousand people leave their homes in China due to a typhoon

China: More than 23 thousand people leave their homes due to a typhoon | CNN NEW DAY