Typhoon Krathon forces closures as Taiwan braces for impact
Taiwan closes offices, schools, markets; residents prepare for Typhoon Krathon
Taiwan halted operations on Wednesday, closing offices, schools, and financial markets in anticipation of Typhoon Krathon.
Experts predict the typhoon, though weakening, will cause storm surges along the coast and heavy rain. Kaohsiung, a crucial port city directly in the storm’s path, has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid coastal, river, and mountainous areas.
Authorities warned of a potential repeat of the catastrophic Typhoon Thelma in 1977, which resulted in 37 fatalities and significant damage to the city of 2.7 million.
Typically, typhoons strike Taiwan’s sparsely populated and mountainous eastern coast. However, Krathon will impact the island’s flat western plain, making landfall between Kaohsiung and Tainan early Thursday.
It will then move up the west coast towards Taipei, according to the Central Weather Administration.
All Taiwanese cities and counties declared a holiday on Wednesday, leading to the closure of financial markets. Domestic flights and numerous international flights are cancelled.
Evacuations in Taiwan
The weather administration reports storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rain will persist as the approaches Typhoon approaches Taiwan’s coast.
Sales representative Yu Ren-yu, 35, who collected sandbags from a government office, noted that the severe Typhoon Gaemi earlier this year, which claimed 11 lives in July, has made everyone more cautious. “Being prepared is key to facing this typhoon,” he said.
Chou Yi-tang, a government official in the Siaogang district near the airport, mentioned that the older generation is especially wary, recalling the devastation of Typhoon Thelma.
His district has distributed over 700 sandbags, a record number for a typhoon, with authorities making additional bags to meet demand.
“We were directly hit by the eyewall in 1977,” Chou remembered. “Power was out for two weeks, and there was no water for almost a month. It was disastrous.”
Taiwan’s defence ministry has placed more than 38,000 troops on standby. The fire department reported 35 injuries, mainly in Taitung, a mountainous eastern county.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN reports as Taiwan prepares for Super Typhoon Krathon, comparable to a Category 4 hurricane, with intense winds and heavy rainfall expected to hit Kaohsiung after impacting the Philippines. (Read more)
- Focus Taiwan reports thousands in Taiwan are evacuating ahead of Typhoon Krathon, with mandatory evacuations in Hualien, Tainan, and Pingtung to mitigate landslides and strong winds. (Read more)
- CoreLogic Hazard HQ reports on Typhoon Krathon’s impact on western Taiwan, emphasising catastrophic winds, storm surge, and heavy rain, with significant insurable losses expected.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Taiwan shutting down?
Taiwan is shutting down ahead of Typhoon Krathon, forecasted to bring storm surges and torrential rain.
What areas in Taiwan will be most affected by Typhoon Krathon?
Kaohsiung and Tainan be most affected as Krathon makes landfall on the island’s flat western plain.
Will airlines cancel flights?
Yes, domestic flights and dozens of international flights are cancelled.
How are residents preparing for Typhoon Krathon?
Residents are preparing by picking up sandbags and taking extra precautions, especially in Kaohsiung.
How is Taiwan’s government responding to Typhoon Krathon?
Taiwan’s government has put over 38,000 troops on standby and is distributing sandbags to residents.
