Southern Taiwan experienced widespread shutdown on Wednesday as Typhoon Podul approached, prompted the evacuation of thousands.

According to weather officials, the mid strength Typhoon, with wind gusts reaching upto 191kph (118mph), is expected to make landfall near southeastern city of Taitung later in the day.

Residents in Taitung received urgent alerts advising them to seek shelter immediately due to anticipated destructive winds, with gust forecasted to exceed 150kph ( 93mph ).

In response to the storm, nine cities and counties, including the major southern cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan announced the suspension of work and school activities. However, the capital of Taipei, which hosts Taiwan’s financial market reported no significant disruptions.

Authorities are also evacuating residents whose homes were effected by a previous typhoon in July. It has caused extensive damage and power outage along the west coast.

More than 5,500 individuals have been evacuated in preparations of Podul’s arrival.

The transport ministry reported the cancellation of 252 domestic flights and 129 international flights.

Primarily affecting the routes from Kaohsiung and some from Taoyuan international airport. Taiwan’s main carriers, China Airlines and EVA Air. Confirmed their focus on cancellations.

After making landfall, Typhoon Podul is expected to move towards Taiwan’s densely populated western coast before heading to Taiwan’s Fujian province later this week.

The Central Weather Administration warned of heavy rainfall, predicting upto 600mm ( 24 inch ) in south mountainous regions over the next few days, following the month that saw record rainfall and resulted in landsliding and flooding claiming four lives.