CNN
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Typhoon Haikui is expected to make landfall in Taiwan near the southeastern city of Taitung around 5 p.m. local time Sunday, according to the island’s Central Weather Bureau.
Haikui will be the first typhoon in four years to directly hit the island.
The typhoon is currently moving westwards at a pace of 9 kilometers (5.59 miles) per hour, and has winds of 144 kph (89.5 mph), according to the weather bureau.
The typhoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall to eastern Taiwan, the bureau said, adding that the mountainous region of Hualien county could see a total precipitation of more than 500mm in the next 24 hours.
The bureau warned heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and landslides.
As of 7 a.m. local time Sunday, more than 2,800 residents within seven counties and municipalities have been evacuated, the island’s Ministry of the Interior said.
Seven counties and cities in southern and eastern Taiwan have suspended school and work for Sunday, according to the respective local governments. In addition, Yunlin county and the outlying Penghu county will suspend school and work from Sunday noon.
The typhoon has led to the cancellation of 222 domestic flights and 37 international flights departing from Taiwan, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications.