Bopha, the name of a flower in Cambodia, was 260 kilometers (160 miles) east-northeast of southeastern Taitung county at 0630 GMT, said Lin Hsiu-wen, deputy director of the bureau's forecasting center.

Although weakening, the storm could still impact Taiwan, Lin said. She also warned of the approach of Typhoon Saomai which could hit the island later this week if it remains on its current course.

With a radius of 100 kilometers, Bopha was moving west-southwest at 15 kilometers per hour, packing center winds of 72 kilometers (45 miles) per hour.

Residents were urged to take precautions against downpours and powerful winds while those in mountainous regions were told to watch out for mudslides. Fishermen were also advised to seek shelter in harbours.

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