Warning issued as Typhoon Krosa heads towards Taiwan

TAIPEI (AFP) - Weathermen in Taiwan on Thursday urged ships and residents to take precautions against Typhoon Krosa which is gaining momentum and heading towards the island.

"Typhoon Krosa is gaining strength and expanding its radius while approaching Taiwan," the official Central Weather Bureau said in its first warning of the typhoon at 5:30 pm (0930 GMT.) It called on ships sailing off Taiwan to heighten vigilance while shuttle ferry services between Taiwan and several offshore islets were suspended.

The scheduled rehearsal of National Day celebrations, including the first military parade in 16 years, will also be postponed from Sunday to Monday, the government spokesman's office said. The National Day falls on Wednesday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071004/sc_afp/taiwanweathertyphoon_071004175850