Waves from approaching Typhoon Morakot pound the northeast shoreline of Taiwan, August 7, 2009. The mid-strength typhoon, the most severe this year so far, began enveloping Taiwan on Friday, cancelling flights and closing ports with wind gusts up to 180 kph (112 mph) before heading to southeastern Chinese coastal areas. [Xinhua]
A woman struggles with strong wind brought by typhoon Morakot in Taipei August 7, 2009. [Agencies]