Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) A total of 1,734 tourists were evacuated from Green Island off southeastern Taiwan Thursday in anticipation of Typhoon Goni, which is expected to bring severe weather to the region starting Friday.

The tourists were transported back to Taitung County on the main island of Taiwan in eight ferry services, which will be suspended between Friday and Sunday.

They reported experiencing rough waves and strong winds during their trip home, describing the experience as similar to“riding a pirate ship in an amusement park."

Other events have also been canceled in Taitung, including the Camping Life in Taitung festival in Taimali Township scheduled for Aug. 22-23, and outdoor events at Tiehua Village from Aug. 21-23, organizers said.

As Goni moves closer to Taiwan, chances of sudden downpours will increase across the island from Friday, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau said.

The typhoon could be at its closest to Taiwan over the weekend, the bureau said, adding that it does not rule out the possibility of issuing a land warning.

(By Tyson Lu and Lee Hsin-Yin)
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