国内英语新闻:Taiwan takes early actions against approaching typhoon

TAIPEI, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan is on high alert and taking early actions including pre-storm evacuations in expectation of typhoon Parma, barely two months after typhoon Morakot devastated the island.

    More than 1,200 villagers from four counties including Nantou, Chiayi, Kaohsiung and Pingtung have been evacuated as of 1 p.m. on Sunday, in case of mudslides triggered by Parma. These people were sheltered in safer places, local authorities said.

    "Taiwan has been working hard to get ready for the typhoon, in the hope of reducing people's losses. Even if Parma doesn't come, we take it as successful relief exercises," said Wu Den-yih, head of "Executive Yuan"on the island.

    Wu and deputy head Chu Liluan inspected precaution work against the typhoon in various places on Sunday.

    It started raining after noon Sunday in Taitung County, and evacuation in several villages were completed in the evening. Classes in a village schools would be suspended on Monday, local media reported.

    Chou Hsi-wei, head of Taipei County, said on Sunday authorities of cities, towns and counties could decide by themselves whether to suspend classes or work.

    In early morning of Sunday, Taiwan's meteorological authorities issued warnings of torrential rain across the island from Sunday to Wednesday. Local observatory also forecast heavy rainstorms in northern, eastern and southermost Taiwan from Sunday to Monday.

    The island's rescue authorities have prepared 70 helicopters and more than 100 ships for disaster relief operations.