Typhoon Krathon, packing maximum sustained winds of 78 mph with gusts of 101 mph,was forecast to weaken into a tropical depression before it reaches the capital, Taipei.

Soldiers from a nearby base were mobilized to aid medical workers and firefighters in the evacuation of patients.

Taiwan on Thursday girded itself for the arrival of a weakening Typhoon Krathon which has killed two people so far, as the island shut down for a second day with hundreds of flights grounded and financial markets closed.