South Korea halts flights, ferry services as super typhoon approaches

ANKARA

South Korean authorities halted dozens of flights across the country and recommended closing schools and businesses in the coastal areas as a powerful Typhoon Hinnamnor is gradually moving toward the southern island of Jeju, local media reported on Monday.

Super Typhoon Hinnamnor is expected to reach waters off Jeju Island later today, and could cause heavy landfall, Yonhap News Agency reported.

This is the 11th typhoon this year but the country’s weather agency warned it could be the most powerful storm moving with high wind speed.

After brushing past Jeju, Typhoon Hinnamnor is forecast to gain momentum to make landfall 80 kilometers (50 miles) north-northwest of the southern port city of Busan by 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Typhoons are classified into four categories: medium, strong, very strong, and super strong. Super strong refers to typhoons with a maximum wind speed of at least 54 meters per second, according to the agency.

The Korea Meteorological Administration also issued a warning for heavy rain across the country with strong winds in coastal areas between Monday night and Tuesday.

Authorities also canceled dozens of flights, suspended ferry services and recommended closing schools and businesses in the coastal areas.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid