2 dead and thousands evacuated as a typhoon approaches Taiwan

Associated Press

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (AP) — An approaching typhoon bringing strong winds and torrential rainfall to Taiwan has killed two people and injured more than 100 people over the past few days while forcing thousands to evacuate from low-lying or mountainous areas. Fire officials said Wednesday at least 102 people were injured and two people died due to weather conditions attributed to Typhoon Krathon. The typhoon, packing maximum sustained winds of 173 kph (108 mph) and gusts of 209 kph (130 mph), is expected to make landfall early Thursday on Taiwan’s densely populated west coast. Typhoons rarely hit Taiwan’s west coast, affecting instead the mountainous, eastern side of the island.