KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) - Taiwan shut down on Wednesday with offices, schools and financial markets closed ahead of the arrival of a weakening Typhoon Krathon, which is forecast to bring storm surges along the coast and torrential rain.

The storm has already injured 46 people and forced thousands of evacuations, the authorities said, warning that torrential rain could cause landslides and flooding.

KAOHSIUNG: Taiwan mobilised nearly 40,000 troops on Tuesday (Oct 1) to bolster rescue efforts as the powerful Typhoon Krathon approaching its populous southwest coast is expected to bring a storm surge and the coast guard raced to locate 19 sailors who abandoned ship.