Jangmi, packing gusts of up to 191 kilometres (115 miles) per hour, was due to make landfall on Taiwan's eastern coast later in the day.

"This is a strong typhoon. No matter where it makes landfall, it could introduce powerful winds and heavy rains and accordingly wreak havoc," the Central Weather Bureau's Wu Teh-jung told reporters.

Residents in low-lying areas were urged to take precautions against possible flash flooding, the weather bureau said.

Jangmi, which was 180 kilometres southeast of the eastern city of Hualien at 9:00 am (0100 GMT), was moving northwest at a speed of 18 kilometres per hour.

At least 14 people were killed and seven others reported missing earlier this month after Typhoon Sinlaku pounded the island, causing bridges, hotels and houses to collapse.