Taiwan is bracing for a powerful typhoon bringing strong winds and rains. At least one person is dead and two are missing.
Offices and schools were closed across Taiwan on Wednesday in preparation for Typhoon Krathon.
Officials say the typhoon was moving slowly north-northeast over the sea south of Taiwan as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said the typhoon is expected to make landfall in southern Taiwan early Thursday morning.
Fire officials announced that an elderly man died in Hualien County after falling out of a tree he was trimming from a height of 3 meters. They added that two people are missing.
Authorities said a total of 70 people have been injured across Taiwan, prompting governments to shut down offices and schools in all counties and cities.
Taipei’s business district was almost deserted on Wednesday. Sandbags were seen piled up at the entrances to buildings to prevent water from entering.
Local weather authorities said the typhoon may cause damage for an extended period of time because it is moving so slowly.