Two people have been killed by a powerful typhoon which swept Taiwan on Monday night, the BBC reported.

About 1.8 million homes lost power during Typhoon Dujuan, which brought gusts of up to 227km/h (141mph).

Thousands of people had been evacuated from vulnerable areas ahead of the arrival of the storm, and tens of thousands of troops were on standby.

Some areas received more than 900mm of rain in just one day, about one third the average annual rainfall for Taiwan.

In addition to the elderly person and construction worker who died, more than 300 people were injured in Taiwan.

Schools have remained closed for a second day while air and rail transportation are disrupted. Authorities have warned there is still a risk of mudslides and high waves in coastal areas.

Source: MENA