Approaching typhoon brings gales, rainstorms and waves to Taiwan

Aug. 7 (Reuters) – Heavy gales, huge waves and rainstorms have hit Taiwan’s eastern areas, Ilan and Hualien in particular, as Typhoon Soudelor was moving slowly to the island on Friday night.

Taiwan’s meteorological agency predicted that the typhoon would land in the eastern coastal areas of Taiwan on Saturday morning. And the strong typhoon could bring heavy rain to Taiwan, especially from Friday afternoon through Saturday.

By the seaside of Ilan, the huge waves reached almost two-story high. And local authorities have urged all the residents to keep away from the seaside.

Just on Thursday, the waves swept away three people, a mother and her two children, and they have been confirmed dead.

The wind began to hit the areas at around 17:00, and it blew trees down and set off huge waves to break car windows.

While the gales seem to be stronger in Hualien, east Taiwan.

Local authorities have been on alert for the potential risks caused by the surges, rainstorms and gales.

China’s meteorological authority forecast that Typhoon Soudelor would land in Taiwan on Saturday and then make a second landing on the eastern coast of Fujian Province.