'Super Typhoon' batters Taiwan

  • 08/07/2016
(Reuters)
(Reuters)

A category five storm has slammed into the island nation of Taiwan, throwing around vehicles and sending people running for shelter.

Super Typhoon Nepartak made landfall on the eastern side of the island late this morning and has already caused widespread damage.

Meteorologists are describing the typhoon as the 'perfect storm', with expected winds up to 240 kph.

Almost 36,000 troops have been deployed to help with the relief efforts, while all ferry services and flights have been suspended. Over 15,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Local media are reporting one person has died and another injured as a result of the typhoon.

Meanwhile neighbours China are continuing to experience its worst flooding in almost two decades, with 140 people reported dead or missing.

Newshub.