Taiwan shut down on Wednesday with hundreds of flights cancelled and offices, schools and financial markets closed ahead of the arrival of a weakening Typhoon Krathon, which is forecast to bring storm surges along the coast and torrential rain.

KAOHSIUNG: Taiwan mobilised nearly 40,000 troops on Tuesday (Oct 1) to bolster rescue efforts as the powerful Typhoon Krathon approaching its populous southwest coast is expected to bring a storm surge and the coast guard raced to locate 19 sailors who abandoned ship.

Taiwan shut down schools and closed its financial markets on Wednesday as Typhoon Krathon pounded its south and east with torrential rains and winds ahead of its expected landfall.  All domestic flights and ferry services were cancelled Wednesday,