Hundreds have been evacuated in southern Taiwan and China following a red alert as the region braces for the impact of the strongest storm of the year.

Super Typhoon Meranti is charging down on Taiwan with speeds up to 230 miles per hour (370 kph) and torrential rains.

According to the official China News Agency, schools and offices across the south of the island have closed and dozens of flights have been canceled.

So dangerous outside now in #Kaohsiung, stay inside people! #Meranti pic.twitter.com/JB3xiHMXJA

— Dave Flynn 茶米 (@DaveFlynn) September 14, 2016

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