Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Danas lashes Taiwan

Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox

At least 28 people have been treated for minor injuries.

PHOTO: EPA

TAIPEI – Nearly 3,000 people in Taiwan evacuated their homes on July 6, the authorities said, as Typhoon Danas dumped torrential rain on the island, triggering floods and landslides.

Packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 137kmh,

Danas is expected to sweep northwards

At least 28 people have been treated for minor injuries, according to the National Fire Agency.

Danas dumped more than 500mm of rain across southern Taiwan over the weekend, the weather agency said, warning of heavy to torrential rain across the rest of the island as the typhoon moves north.

“Tonight through tomorrow morning will see the strongest wind and rain impacts,” the weather agency said.

Most of the 2,853 people evacuated from their homes were in mountainous areas around the southern port city of Kaohsiung, the National Fire Agency said.

At least 10 landslides were recorded and 49 areas flooded, but the water has since receded, it added.

Taiwan is accustomed to frequent tropical storms from July to October. AFP