Taiwan braces for Typhoon Haikui, 250 flights cancelled

TAIPEI - Nearly 250 international and domestic flights from Taiwan were grounded on Sunday as the island geared up for high winds and heavy rain from approaching Typhoon Haikui, reported German news agency (dpa).

Premier Chen Chien-jen on Sunday urged local governments to stay close in touch with the central government to manage the disaster response.

Chen said the passage of Haikui would increase the risk of landslides in some areas.

He said 2,868 residents in vulnerable areas had been evacuated and at least 291 people had been placed in public shelters.

A woman walks with an umbrella during heavy rain near Su-ao port in Yilan as Typhoon Haikui makes landfall in eastern Taiwan on Sept 3, 2023. - (Photo by I-Hwa Cheng / AFP)

More than 221 domestic flights and 25 international ones were cancelled and ferry services connecting the island of Taiwan and offshore islets were suspended, authorities said.

After crossing Taiwan, Haikui is expected to enter the Taiwan Strait on Monday and head for the southern parts of China.

According to the weather bureau, Haikui has gained strength since Saturday. On Sunday, the storm was registering maximum sustained winds of about 150 km per hour, with gusts of up to about 190 km/h. - BERNAMA-dpa