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Typhoon Mindulle grows and slows

Provincial highway No. 9 lies in disrepair after suffering damage from waves generated by Typhoon Mindulle yesterday in Taimali township, Taitung County. Sections of the highway are only open to one-way traffic. PHOTO: CNA

Typhoon Mindulle is posing a greater threat to the Bashi Channel and waters off southeastern Taiwan, the Central Weather Bureau reported yesterday.

After issuing a sea warning on Monday afternoon for ships operating in the Bashi Channel and waters off southeastern Taiwan, meteorologists said Mindulle has continued to move in a west-northwesterly direction towards Taiwan at the slower speed of 8kph.

A land warning was expected to be issued at 11.30pm last night.

Waters along the east of the country and the Hengchun peninsula have become rough, and meteorologists warned the public to avoid the shoreline.

Because of the large radius of Typhoon Mindulle and the possibility that it will gain strength, the officials said the typhoon was being closely watched. It is forecast to directly affect Taiwan tomorrow or Friday.

The bureau also warned that Mindulle may bring a considerable amount of rainfall as it nears Taiwan today.

With a radius of 250km and packing gusts of up to 200kph, the typhoon was centered about 410km southeast of Taiwan's southern tip, Oluanpi, at 8:30pm yesterday.

Officials also warned of high temperatures in Taiwan over the next few days.

Highs of 36oC are forecast for the western and northern sectors of the country, 35oC for the center and the south and 32oC for eastern Taiwan.

Thunderstorms are forecast for northern and northeastern areas.

The bureau also warned that the ultra-violet ray index will remain at a high level for the next few days.

The latest details and warnings can be viewed in English at the bureau's Web site, www.cwb.gov.tw/V4e/index.htm.
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