Typhoon Krathon Hits Sourn Taiwan
Typhoon Krathon made landfall on Thursday in Taiwan’s southern port city of Kaohsiung, bringing heavy rain, fierce winds, and widespread disruptions across the region. Storm, which struck the island’s industrial hub of Siaogang in Kaohsiung at around 12:40 p.m., arrived with maximum sustained winds of 126 kph (78 mph) and gusts reaching up to 162 kph (101 mph), according to Central Wear Administration.
Slow-Moving Storm Causes Significant Damage
slow-moving storm has already battered eastern and southern Taiwan over the past five days, forcing thousands to evacuate mountainous and low-lying areas prone to landslides and flooding. Despite widespread flooding, downed trees, and damage to infrastructure, no loss of life was initially reported in Kaohsiung. However, the island’s fire department confirmed that 123 people were injured across Taiwan due to storm-related incidents. Tragically, two people lost their lives — one in a vehicle accident caused by falling rocks in Taitung County, and another while trimming trees in Hualien City. Additionally, two people remain missing.
Citywide Disruptions as Schools and Businesses Close
Kaohsiung officials had warned residents earlier to prepare for potentially catastrophic conditions, resulting in the closure of schools and businesses. Roads in parts of the city were submerged by floodwaters, while storefronts and parked cars sustained damage from high winds. As the typhoon progressed, gusts continued to rattle through Kaohsiung’s streets, while life further north in Taipei remained only slightly disrupted.
Warnings Issued as Typhoon Heads Northward
Though the storm is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression by Friday as it moves northward toward Taipei, Taiwan’s government remains on high alert. Central Wear Administration urged residents of Kaohsiung and Pingtung County not to be lulled into complacency as the eye of the storm passes, warning that dangerous winds would return shortly after.
Residents in Taipei, located 350 kilometers (215 miles) to north of Kaohsiung, experienced strong winds but little rainfall. Storm is expected to move across the Taiwan Strait and toward China’s southern coast, with heavy rains forecast for eastern and southern Taiwan over the next 24 hours.
Fire in Pingtung Hospital Claims Lives Amid Typhoon Chaos
As Typhoon Krathon raged, a fire broke out early Thursday morning at a hospital in Pingtung County, claiming the lives of at least nine people. The Cause of the fire is under investigation, and it is unclear whether the blaze was related to a typhoon. Victims were primarily elderly patients who died from smoke inhalation.
Mountainous Regions Hit by Torrential Rains
Mountainous areas in Taiwan’s southern regions have received as much as 169 centimeters (5.5 feet) of rain in the last five days, raising concerns about potential mudslides and landslides. Thousands of residents in the vulnerable areas have been evacuated, while nearly 40,000 military personnel have been placed on standby to assist with emergency rescue and recovery operations.
China Braces for Impact
China’s wear agency has also issued warnings as Typhoon Krathon is expected to affect eastern and southern coasts, bringing up to 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) of rain within the next 24 hours. Although typhoons rarely hit Taiwan’s western coast, this storm’s path has sparked concerns about potential damage along both Taiwan’s west and China’s coastal areas.
Historical Comparisons to Typhoon Ama
Officials in Kaohsiung have drawn comparisons between Typhoon Krathon and Typhoon LMA, which devastated the city in 1977, killing 37 people. While Krathon has yet to cause similar destruction, the slow pace and intensity of the storm have placed South Taiwan on high alert for continued damage from wind and rain.
Philippines Devastated by Typhoon Krathon Before Taiwan Landfall
Before striking Taiwan, Typhoon Krathon caused widespread destruction in the northern Philippines, killing four people and displacing at least 5,000 ors. The Storm lashed the Philippine islands earlier in the week, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
As Typhoon Krathon moves further north and toward the Chinese coast, residents across affected regions remain vigilant, bracing for the possibility of more extreme wear. Taiwan’s high-tech economy, which has been significantly impacted by the shutdown of schools, businesses, and factories, faces the challenge of recovering from the slow-moving storm’s heavy toll.
