MARIA SKIRTS TAIWAN

TAIPEI: Schools and offices were closed in parts of Taiwan yesterday as Typhoon Maria skirted the island bringing torrential rain and powerful winds. The storm weakened as it approached Taiwan and moved past it to the north. Downpours of up to 100mm hit some areas overnight and strong winds were still expected as the storm moved northwest. People were told to avoid the coast where waves as high as 9m were recorded. Local media said a man fell to his death when he was checking the windows at his home. – AFP