2-10-2024 (TAIPEI) Taiwan has entered a state of high alert as Typhoon Krathon approaches, prompting a nationwide shutdown of offices, schools, and financial markets. Despite the storm’s weakening intensity, authorities remain vigilant, warning of potential storm surges and torrential rainfall across the island.
The southern port city of Kaohsiung, expected to bear the brunt of the typhoon, has issued stern warnings to its 2.7 million residents. Local officials have urged citizens to remain indoors and avoid coastal areas, rivers, and mountainous regions. The gravity of the situation is underscored by comparisons to the devastating Typhoon Thelma of 1977, which claimed 37 lives and wreaked havoc on the city.
Typhoon Krathon’s projected path is particularly concerning, as it is set to make landfall on Taiwan’s western plain—a departure from the typical pattern of typhoons hitting the island’s mountainous eastern coast. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) forecasts that the storm will strike between Kaohsiung and Tainan in the early hours of Thursday before moving northward towards Taipei.
In an unprecedented move, all cities and counties across Taiwan have declared Wednesday a public holiday. This decision has led to the closure of financial markets and the cancellation of numerous domestic and international flights.
The memory of July’s Typhoon Gaemi, which resulted in 11 fatalities, has spurred heightened preparedness among residents. Yu Ren-yu, a 35-year-old sales representative, expressed the public sentiment: “Everyone is more cautious and prepared this time around. First be prepared, then we can face this typhoon.”
In Kaohsiung’s Siaogang district, home to the city’s airport, officials report record-breaking distribution of sandbags. Chou Yi-tang, a local government official, noted that the impending typhoon has stirred memories of Thelma among older residents, leading to increased precautionary measures. Recalling the 1977 disaster, Chou stated, “Power was out for two weeks and no water for almost a month. It was disastrous.”
The Taiwanese government is leaving nothing to chance, with the defence ministry placing over 38,000 troops on standby. Meanwhile, the fire department has already reported 35 injuries, primarily in the eastern county of Taitung.
