Thousands evacuated in Taiwan as Tropical Storm Fung-wong closes in

"The slow-moving storm is due to make landfall on Wednesday night after leaving the Philippines. Taipei, Taiwan More than 3,300 people in Taiwan have been evacuated from their homes as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong closes in on the island, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency. The slow-moving storm was about 140km (87 miles) southwest of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, according to its Central Weather Administration, with winds measuring 72km/h (45mph) and gusts of up to 101km/h (63mph)."

"Fung-wong, downgraded from a super typhoon, is expected to make landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday evening and move northeast over the island, the weather bureau said. Earlier this week, the storm caused 18 deaths in the Philippines due to floods and landslides, according to The Associated Press news agency; however, it has since slowly weakened as it approached Taiwan. Schools and workplaces across southern and eastern Taiwan were nevertheless shuttered on Wednesday, and all domestic flights were cancelled in anticipation of Fung-Wong s arrival."

"The bulk of Taiwan's evacuation order has been issued for Hualien County on the island's rugged east coast, which is prone to landslides and earthquakes. The region usually takes the brunt of Taiwan's typhoon damage. At least 19 people were killed in Hualien in September when a barrier lake in the mountains overflowed during another typhoon, sending 60 million tonnes of water and debris into a nearby community."

Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, downgraded from a super typhoon, is expected to make landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday evening and move northeast across the island. The storm was about 140 km southwest of Taiwan with sustained winds of 72 km/h and gusts up to 101 km/h. More than 3,300 people have been evacuated. Schools and workplaces in southern and eastern Taiwan were closed and all domestic flights were cancelled. Parts of the island have already experienced heavy rain and flooding, including one northern community receiving 783.5 mm of rainfall. Hualien County has received the bulk of evacuation orders due to landslide and barrier-lake risks.

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