A fire at a hospital in southern Taiwan killed nine people on Thursday morning as the island was battered by a typhoon.

Eight victims were confirmed dead after being taken away for treatment, and another was later found dead at the scene, according to the island's fire agency.

The fire occurred in Pingtung county as Typhoon Krathon made landfall, lashing the area with torrential rains and heavy winds while bringing parts of the island to a standstill.

The deaths were attributed to smoke that arose from a source still under investigation.

Dozens of other patients were evacuated and moved to shelters nearby.

Soldiers from a nearby base were mobilised to help medical workers and firefighters in the evacuation of patients and putting out the flames.

Krathon made landfall in the major port city of Kaohsiung, packing maximum sustained winds of 126 kilometres per hour near its centre, with gusts of 162 kilometres per hour, according to authorities.

Two storm-related deaths were reported, with more than 120 others injured.

The slow-moving typhoon has doused eastern and southern parts of the island over the past five days, forcing thousands to evacuate from mountainous or low-lying areas.

Schools and government offices have been shut for two days and all flights within the island have been cancelled. (Agencies)
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Last updated: 2024-10-03 HKT 16:42