CNN –
Typhoon Haikui is expected to hit Taiwan near the southeastern city of Taitung around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, according to the island’s Central Weather Bureau.
Haikui will be the first typhoon to directly hit the island in four years.
According to the weather bureau, the typhoon is currently moving westward at a speed of 9 kilometers (5.59 miles) per hour and has wind speeds of 144 km/h (89.5 miles per hour).
The typhoon is expected to bring heavy rains to eastern Taiwan, the bureau said, adding that the mountainous region of Hualien County could see total rainfall of more than 500 mm in the next 24 hours.
The bureau warned that heavy rains could trigger flash floods and landslides.
By 7 a.m. local time on Sunday, more than 2,800 residents in seven districts and municipalities had been evacuated, the island’s Interior Ministry said.
According to their local governments, seven counties and cities in southern and eastern Taiwan have suspended school and work activities on Sunday. In addition, Yunlin County and remote Penghu County will suspend school and work classes starting at noon on Sunday.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the typhoon caused the cancellation of 222 domestic flights and 37 international flights from Taiwan.