Hit by powerful typhoon, 27 injured in Taiwan, some foreign tourists missing

Strong winds and heavy rain brought by Typhoon Kong-rey have injured many people across the island, while two tourists from the Czech Republic are missing following failed attempts to establish communications with them by Central Emergency Operation Center, Focus Taiwan reported.

The center said 27 visitors at Taichung's Wuling Farm have been asked to stay put, as descending the mountain in the storm could be dangerous.

Local authorities also evacuated residents to safe places in New Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, as well as Hsinchu, Nantou, Pingtung, Yilan, Hualien and Taitung counties.

So far 8,600 people have been evacuated to emergency shelters.

Kong-rey also forced authorities to cancel 527 domestic and international flights.

Earlier, authorities announced the closing of workplaces and schools across the island due to the approaching storm.

Authorities also asked people to stay at home and directed banks and financial markets to remain closed due to heavy rain and storms.

However essential services, including police, fire services, utilities, and emergency services at hospitals, remained open to the public.

On Tuesday, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said that they rescued 17 crew members from a Chinese-registered cargo ship.

Separately, in the Philippines, the weather agency lowered the storm alert in Batanes, the country’s northernmost province, to No. 4 as it was expected to weaken in the next 12 hours.

Nathaniel Servando, head of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration, said the super typhoon has maintained its strength while moving northwestward near Batanes, the Manila Times reported.