Taiwan is experiencing torrential rains on Monday as it braces for Typhoon Saudel which is expected to hit the northern part of the island later this week.According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, the typhoon is currently moving towards the Okinawa region in southern Japan. On Friday, the typhoon is expected to pass by the northern part of Taiwan before it reaches the eastern coast of China.Meanwhile, a low-pressure system has developed over southern Taiwan in recent days, causing heavy rains that have led to flooding.Taiwan Railway said there would be disruptions along the main east coast line, as well as on services to and from Kaohsiung and Taitung. Express services have been cancelled, while local train operations will depend on weather conditions.The local governments of Kaohsiung and Tainan, which are home to more than four million people, ordered schools and offices to remain closed. Similar closures were announced in Pingtung and Chiayi counties, as well as the mountainous eastern counties of Taitung and Hualien, Reuters reported.The Kaohsiung government said cumulative rainfall over the five-day period affected by the low-pressure system was expected to exceed 1.3 metres (4.3 feet), nearly half the amount of rain the city typically receives in an entire year.Taitung county chief April Yao urged residents to stay indoors, writing on Facebook: “If you’ve got nothing on, for goodness sake don’t go out.”Saudel is expected to enter the Philippines on Monday.According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the typhoon will remain over the Philippine Sea and may develop into a super typhoon before its exit on Tuesday.Meanwhile, heavy flooding caused by Typhoon Narra across China’s southwestern Guangxi region has forced tens of thousands of people to relocate, amid forecasters warning of more rainfall in the coming days.
