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Taiwan is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Gaemi, the strongest storm to hit the island in eight years, as the storm bears down on the East Coast.
As per reports, already two deaths have been reported due to Gaemi. Amid torrential rains and high winds, Taiwan's financial markets have been shut, while flights have been cancelled.
The transport ministry reported that almost all domestic flights and 227 international flights have been cancelled. On Thursday, all domestic flights and an additional 185 international flights are expected to be halted.
It is expected to make landfall on Taiwan's east coast late on Wednesday evening. As of 8 pm (1200 GMT), the eye of the storm was hovering off Hualien county.

Government announces emergency measures

The Taiwanese government has announced the closure of financial markets and suspended work and school activities for the second day.


The disaster management centre has confirmed two deaths, one from a falling tree and another caused by a building collapse. An additional 201 people have been injured.

Premier Cho Jung-tai, addressing a televised meeting of the emergency response centre, emphasised the gravity of the situation and warned, "The next 24 hours will present a very severe challenge."

In rural Yilan County, where the typhoon is expected to make its initial landfall, increasing wind and rain have led to the closure of businesses and the emptying of streets.

Over 8,000 people have been evacuated from high-risk mountainous areas prone to landslides due to "extremely torrential rain," according to government reports.