East Asia braces for havoc as typhoon approaches

Typhoon Hinnamnor was gaining strength and expected to bring torrential downpours, gale-force winds and rough seas to coastal regions in East Asia as it inches northward.

The Republic of Korea's state weather agency said Typhoon Hinnamnor reached waters off the southern island of Jeju on Monday, as the ROK braces for what could be the most powerful storm to hit the country.

ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Monday he will be on "emergency standby" as the powerful typhoon nears the nation, Yonhap News Agency reported.