Taiwan, Typhoon | featured news

Slow-moving Typhoon Nanmadol remained dangerous Sunday despite weakening as it struck the tip of the mountainous northern Philippines, leaving at least eight people dead and scuttling a visit by a U.S. Navy battleship group, officials said. Taiwan issued sea and land warnings and planned to evacuate about 6,000 people in its eastern and southern regions as it braced for the typhoon. Troops and rescue equipment were deployed for any contingency, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said.

The death toll from Typhoon Megi rose to 11 on Saturday as it cut a deadly path into Asia, triggering mudslides and leaving tourists stranded in Taiwan.

A powerful typhoon made a direct hit on Taiwan on Sunday, sending residents scurrying for cover and rescue crews rushing to evacuate people in mountainous regions vulnerable to landslides.

The country's second storm in eight days cuts across the northeastern tip of the main island of Luzon and heads toward Taiwan. Typhoon Parma slammed into the Philippines today, ripping off roofs, toppling power pylons and swelling rivers in the country's mountainous north.

The Dalai Lama -- on a visit to Taiwan that includes prayers for recent typhoon victims -- has refuted China's claims that he is there for political reasons.

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said Sunday he accepts responsibility for the government's slow response after Typhoon Morakot slammed into the island killing at more than 120 people and unleashing floods, mudslides and misery.

Taiwan leaders already under fire for a perceived slow response to a typhoon that likely killed hundreds have begun accepting foreign aid after earlier refusing those offers, officials said on Saturday.

A mudslide triggered by torrential rains from a typhoon may have buried up to 600 villagers in mountainous southern Taiwan, disaster officials said on Monday.

People leave China's south-east coast and boats are called home as a typhoon nears that caused severe floods in Taiwan.