Giant typhoon hits Taiwan

Winds have already caused damage in the capital

With winds gusting at speeds of more than 300kph, a massive typhoon which weather forecasters have been tracking for several days, has hit Taiwan in south east Asia.

Storm damage: The typhoon is bigger than the island

Forecasters said Typhoon Bilis, which they have classed as a "super typhoon", was gaining strength as it approached the eastern part of the island.

The typhoon's diameter has been measured at around 600km, 200km more than Taiwan is long, and the authorities fear no part of the island will escape unscathed.

Torrential rains fell over the island before the main body of typhoon arrived, setting off a mudslide that killed a construction worker near the capital Taipei.

Stormfront

The US National Hurricane Centre, which monitors weather systems worldwide, said Bilis was bringing winds averaging 267kph, with gusts as high as 322kph.

Bilis is wider than Taiwan is long

Schools and offices across the island of 22m people closed early on Tuesday as the edge of the massive stormfront hit the eastern counties of Hualien and Taitung.

Power supplies were knocked out in many areas by the winds and heavy rainfall, with an estimated 300,000 households suffering blackouts across the island.

As the typhoon closed in, Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau warned against massive landslides in mountainous regions all over the island and urged residents to remain indoors.

The construction worker was killed when a retaining wall collapsed at a landfill being constructed near Taipei, according to the government's disaster relief centre.

Emergency centre

Local airlines have cancelled flights to southern Taiwan and many airports have been closed.

Taiwan's cabinet has set up an emergency centre in Taipei, which is manned by the police, fire services and military.

Taiwan's emergency services are on high alert

Officials said government offices, banks and Taiwan's stock market will be closed on Wednesday.

The authorities have even relaxed a law which bans fisherman from the Chinese mainland coming ashore.

Reports say about 1,000 have been allowed to take shelter on the island - usually they are required to remain aboard ships moored in port during heavy weather.

Rescue centres have also been reinforced in Nantou county, where thousands are still living in temporary homes following last year's massive earthquake.

Bilis is the second strong typhoon to hit Taiwan this year. Last month, Typhoon Kai Tak swept through southern Taiwan with winds of up to 150kph, leaving one dead and five others injured.

Forecasters expect Bilis to head next for south-east China, landing late Wednesday or early Thursday.