LIAN PEK, CNN ANCHOR: Typhoon Toraji is sweeping toward China's southern coast. Earlier, the storm crashed across Taiwan, leaving at least 32 people dead and cutting off villages in remote areas. Jason Blatt of Taiwan's TVB has the details.</s>JASON BLATT, TVB REPORTER (voice-over): As typhoon Toraji swept across Taiwan early Monday, streets in low-lying areas were overwhelmed with rainwater. Those who couldn't get away in time had to wait for rescue rafts. The storm hit hardest in central Taiwan's landlocked Nantou County, where rainfall topped 900 milliliters. After the storm hit, mountain roads leading to three villages were blocked by landslides and giant boulders, cutting hundreds off from the outside world. At least three bridges leading into the county had to be closed after authorities feared raging floodwaters might cause them to collapse. Rescue crews mobilized helicopters, boats and rafts to deliver supplies to remote areas and ferry the stranded back to higher ground.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Seven people are trapped down there. We are trying to get them out.</s>BLATT: The typhoon triggered land and mudslides, including one that buried eight people alive in their home in Eastern Taiwan's Hualien County. In another incident, two policemen were found dead in their patrol car after it slid into a creekbed. Across Northern Taiwan, schools and offices, as well as the Taiwan Stock Exchange, were closed. In the capital Taipei, a command center was coordinating island-wide rescue efforts. Even after the winds started to weaken, authorities were warning that rainfall in the storm's wake could continue to wreak havoc for days. Jason Blatt, TVBS Taiwan, for CNN.
Typhoon Toraji Sweeping Toward China's Southern Coast