Thousands of tourists have been evacuated from islands off Taiwan ahead of category five Typhoon Nepartak.
The super typhoon carried winds of up to 163 miles an hour, south-east of Taiwan’s Hualien city on Wednesday, officials said.
They also warned of the risk of flooding and mudslides as high winds and rain were expected.
Around 3,000 tourists have been evacuated from the Green and Orchid Islands, two popular tourists destinations off south-eastern Taitung county, the BBC reported local government officials as saying.
Some 35,000 soldiers have been put on standby, according to the defence ministry.
Transport minister Hochen Tan also assured citizens that measures have been taken to ensure Taoyuan airport, which serves the capital of Taipai, will not be flooded.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued updated travel advice yesterday.
“Typhoon Nepartak is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of Taiwan from around July 7,” it said.
The Typhoon season in Taiwan normally runs from May to November.
Travellers should monitor weather alerts and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders, according to the FCO.