Taiwan has taken extensive precautions as Typhoon Krathon approaches, prompting widespread shutdowns across the island. Authorities have grounded hundreds of flights and closed schools, offices, and financial markets in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Despite weakening, Krathon poses significant risks, with torrential rain and strong winds expected, particularly in southern regions.
In Kaohsiung, a critical port city set to bear the brunt of the typhoon, officials have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid coastal areas, rivers, and mountainous regions. Memories of past devastation, such as Typhoon Thelma in 1977, which claimed 37 lives and devastated the city, loom large in the city’s preparations.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai emphasized the unpredictability of the typhoon’s path, warning that while it may weaken upon landfall, it could regain strength if it shifts northward. This unpredictability underscores the ongoing threat to Kaohsiung and surrounding areas, necessitating continued vigilance among residents.
The impact of Krathon could potentially result in widespread disruption, including flooding and infrastructural damage, reminiscent of past events such as Typhoon Trami in 2001. Forecasters predict that once the typhoon makes landfall, it may downgrade into a tropical depression, though the threat of heavy rainfall and wind remains a concern.
As the island prepares for the storm’s arrival, reports have already confirmed one fatality in Hualien County, where an elderly man tragically fell from a tree. Additionally, two individuals are reported missing, and over 70 have been injured across affected areas.
With safety as the primary concern, all cities and counties in Taiwan have declared a day off, with evacuations surpassing 10,000 individuals, primarily from vulnerable southern and eastern regions. While Taipei has seen some normalcy with select businesses open, the looming threat of impending rain persists throughout the day.
As Taiwan braces for Typhoon Krathon, authorities continue to monitor developments closely, emphasizing preparedness and safety measures to mitigate potential risks posed by the storm’s impact on the island.
