TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 9 (UPI) -- Taiwan prepared for the arrival of Typhoon Chan-hom Thursday by closing schools and offices and setting up command centers.
The typhoon is moving towards the northern part of the island, with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (96 mph) and gusts reaching 191 kilometers per hour (118 mph), the Central Weather Bureau said, adding ships should increase their alert. Although no mudslides have thus far been reported, torrential rain canceled flights at Taipei's Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, and officials said more cancellations were expected.
Severe rain is expected in the southern part of the island, and mainland China, which is in the typhoon's path.
The Taiwan Stock Exchange will be closed Friday.
About 38,000 army personnel and rescue workers are on standby notice, the Ministry of National Defense said.
A 2009 typhoon killed at least 670 people in Taiwan, making it the deadliest in the country's history.
