Typhoon "Gaemi" approaches Taiwan

Taiwan is bracing for Typhoon Gaemi, closing markets and canceling flights, while the military stands on alert amid torrential rain. 

One death has been reported so far, informs the "Reuters" agency.

Gaemi, expected to be the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years, will hit the northeastern bay on Wednesday evening, the country's hydrometeorological authorities said.

They upgraded its status to a powerful typhoon, with winds at its center expected to reach 227 kilometers per hour.

After crossing the Taiwan Strait, it is likely to hit the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian on Thursday afternoon.

One person died from a fallen tree in the southern city of Kaohsiung, the Fire Department said. It was also reported that 58 people were injured.

In rural Yilan County, where the typhoon will hit first, the wind and rain have become strong, causing restaurants to close and most streets empty.
Work and school have been suspended across Taiwan, with streets empty in the capital Tapiei.

The government said more than 4000 people evacuated from mountainous areas due to the risk of landslides caused by the rain.

Nearly all flights were canceled, along with 227 international flights, the transport ministry said.