Tropical Storm Nanmadol - downgraded from a typhoon - has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, leaving at least eight people dead.

Taiwan's defence ministry said troops were equipped with portable generators, water pumps and amphibious vehicles to help those hit by the storm.

Nanmadol is moving slowly north-west with winds of 137km/h (85mph).

Taiwan officials said the first soldiers were being deployed in central Nantou county, Taitung and Hualien counties in the east, and Chiayi and Pingtung counties and Kaohsiung city in the south.

The Central Weather Bureau forecast that Nanmadol would make landfall on Monday between Hengchun and Taitung, bringing torrential rain.

Local media reported that more than 1,000 people had been evacuated from mountainous areas around Kaohsiung city.

Schools and government offices are closed in many areas.

In the Philippines, powerful winds and rain triggered floods and landslides, blocking major roads and destroying several bridges.