Taiwan has evacuated thousands of residents and tourists as “super typhoon” Dujuan headed towards the island, gathering strength on its approach to the east coast.
Torrential rains and high winds are forecast across Taiwan from Monday afternoon, with landfall predicted around 15:00 GMT.
Almost 3,000 people, most of them tourists, were evacuated on Sunday from Taiwan’s Green Island and Orchid Island – popular with visitors.
About 4,000 more were moved on Monday in advance of the storm.
Eric Chu, New Taipei’s mayor, said the people were from vulnerable areas, including the hot spring town of Wulai, just outside Taipei.
“In areas that could become isolated during the typhoon, sufficient rescue and communications equipment will be deployed in advance. We hope residents can cooperate with us,” he stated.
Huge waves were already striking the northeastern coast by midday and fishing boats were called back to shore.
Al Jazeera’s Jamela Alindogan, reporting from Taipei, said strong winds have been hitting the capital city but there was only “little rain” as of 06:00 GMT.
She said people celebrating an annual festival have been rushing back home before the typhoon.
Operation of ports and train stations will also be halted in the afternoon.