TAIWAN BRACES FOR MARIA

TAIPEI: Taiwan began evacuating residents in mountainous areas while offices and schools were closed yesterday as Typhoon Maria churned towards the island bringing torrential rains and powerful winds. Maria was 310km east of the northeastern coastal town of Yilan packing gusts of up to 173kph as of 5pm (same time in Malaysia). Officials have warned of possible floods and mudslides. A total of 76 domestic flights and 145 international flights were cancelled. – AFP