In Taitung, fishermen secured their boats in port, 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, so from our end we will strengthen typhoon prevention, and we hope local residents stay alert and be careful,” said Chen Chia-chen from Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, speaking in Taitung.
Kaohsiung and its neighbouring city of Tainan said they would suspend work and classes from 6pm local time on Wednesday as the weather worsens.
Taiwan’s capital Taipei was lashed by squally rain showers, but it was not expected to be directly impacted by the typhoon and offices and schools remained open as normal.
Taiwanese airlines cancelled 87 domestic flights, while 25 international ones were also cancelled, the transport ministry said.
After passing through Taiwan, the typhoon will head towards China’s Guangdong and Fujian provinces and then to Hong Kong, where it is likely to weaken further to become a tropical storm.
Hong Kong’s Weather Observatory said Koinu will enter within 800km of the financial hub on Wednesday afternoon. The observatory will issue the lowest typhoon signal, 1, on Wednesday night.
Source: CNA
