Taiwan cancels flights, closes schools as typhoon Mitag approaches

Authorities in Taiwan have shut financial markets and cancelled a dozen flights as the island nation prepares itself to face the powerful typhoon 'Mitag' on September 30. A high alert has been issued in the region and soldiers were put on standby. The President of Taiwan,  Tsai Ing-wen urged the residents to stay indoors if possible. Typhoon Mitag was approaching towards the coast of Taiwan on Monday, with the authorities expecting it to hit northern and north-eastern part of the island in the evening and early Tuesday.

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Authorities have cancelled flights and shut schools

The concerned department has cancelled over 160 flights, closed schools and shut down financial markets ahead of the powerful storm. A lot of highways and roadways were shut down fearing floods and landslides and rail networks were also expected to be cut in the afternoon. President Tsai Ing-wen wrote on Facebook that the national army and authorities are put on high alert. She also added that the people in the affected areas should make preparations for the typhoon and stay indoor as much as possible. The authorities have put about 12000 soldiers on standby.

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Typhoon Mitag traced  to some 300 kilometers southeast of the island

Typhoon Mitag was approaching with a sustained wind speed of 126 kilometers per hour with gusts reaching 162 kilometers per hour according to Taiwan's weather bureau. The storm was traced to some  300 kilometers southeast of the island early on Monday and heading towards it at the speed of 25 kilometers per hour. After hitting Taiwan, the storm is expected to head towards China's eastern city of Shanghai.

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