Taiwan Shuts Down as Typhoon Krathon Approaches
Taiwan braced for the impact of Typhoon Krathon on Wednesday, closing schools, financial markets, and grounding flights as the powerful storm approached the island. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that Krathon, packing sustained winds of 144 kilometers (89 miles) per hour and gusts up to 180 kph, was positioned 100 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung. For up-to-date information, you can follow the latest news on the situation in Taiwan.
Government officials announced the closure of all offices and schools across Taiwan for Thursday. The interior ministry evacuated approximately 10,000 people from vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure. CWA chief Cheng Chia-ping noted the slow-moving nature of the typhoon, stating, “The time of its landfall continues to be delayed.” He added that while Krathon would weaken after making landfall, its extended duration posed significant risks.
Premier Cho Jung-tai urged public vigilance, especially in southern and eastern areas affected by continuous rainfall. The storm’s approach led to the cancellation of all domestic flights and about 250 international flights on Wednesday, with more disruptions expected on Thursday.
The National Fire Agency confirmed at least two fatalities linked to the storm, with two individuals reported missing and over 100 injured. A 70-year-old man died while trimming trees in Hualien county, and a 66-year-old succumbed to injuries after his truck hit a fallen rock in Taitung.
Nearly 55,000 homes experienced temporary power outages, according to local news reports. Utility companies and emergency services worked to restore power and implement safety measures for affected residents.
While typhoons are common in Taiwan, recent studies suggest climate change is influencing their frequency and strength. Researchers have observed typhoons forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lingering longer over land, posing new challenges for Taiwan’s annual storm season from July to October. For insights on how global events like COVID-19 have affected supply chains, you can read more about it here.
In Kaohsiung, streets were unusually quiet as heavy rains and strong winds lashed the coastal city. Taoyuan International Airport appeared nearly deserted, with employees reinforcing entrance gates. Malaysian tourist Chan Ka-woh expressed frustration, saying, “We have to stay at least two or three days longer.”
Powerful waves battered Kaohsiung’s coast, causing seawater to spill onto roads near Sizihwan Bay. Local authorities distributed sandbags and cleared storm drains to manage water levels and prevent flooding similar to the damage caused by Typhoon Gaemi in July.
Television footage from Taitung showed swollen rivers inundated with rain. Local emergency services remained on high alert for flooding and water-related damage.
The recent memory of Typhoon Gaemi, the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years, underscores the importance of heeding warnings about Typhoon Krathon. Gaemi resulted in at least 10 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, highlighting Taiwan’s vulnerability to severe weather events. As the storm approaches, updates are being shared on various platforms, including YouTube.
The impact of Krathon extended beyond Taiwan. In the Philippines, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported eight injuries and one missing person due to the typhoon. Approximately 5,431 individuals were displaced in northern Philippines, primarily in the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions. Reports indicate that the weakening of Krathon is expected to hit land early on Thursday, which can be followed here.
As Typhoon Krathon continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the power of natural disasters and the complex relationship between climate patterns and human habitation. Both Taiwan and the Philippines face a future where climate change necessitates collective action, enhanced preparedness, and investment in disaster resilience.
The evolving nature of these storms reinforces the need for ongoing adaptation strategies, improved infrastructure, and community education to effectively navigate these increasingly common threats. As the region grapples with the immediate impact of Typhoon Krathon, the long-term focus remains on building resilience and implementing comprehensive disaster management plans to protect lives and minimize damage from future extreme weather events. For a deeper understanding of the cause and effect of supply chain disruptions, you can explore more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures has Taiwan taken in response to Typhoon Krathon?
Taiwan has closed schools, financial markets, and grounded flights, while evacuating approximately 10,000 people from vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure.
What is the current strength of Typhoon Krathon?
Typhoon Krathon is packing sustained winds of 144 kilometers (89 miles) per hour, with gusts reaching up to 180 kilometers per hour.
How many flights have been affected by the storm?
All domestic flights have been canceled, along with about 250 international flights, with more disruptions anticipated as the typhoon approaches.
What fatalities have been reported due to Typhoon Krathon?
At least two fatalities have been confirmed, along with two individuals reported missing and over 100 injuries associated with the storm.
How has the power supply been affected in Taiwan due to the typhoon?
Nearly 55,000 homes experienced temporary power outages, with utility companies working to restore power and implement safety measures for affected residents.
What are the potential long-term impacts of climate change on typhoons in Taiwan?
Recent studies suggest that climate change is influencing the frequency and strength of typhoons, with storms forming closer to coastlines and intensifying more rapidly.
How are local authorities preparing for Typhoon Krathon in Kaohsiung?
Local authorities have distributed sandbags and cleared storm drains to manage water levels and prevent flooding, especially given the damage caused by previous typhoons.
What lessons were learned from Typhoon Gaemi in relation to Typhoon Krathon?
The impact of Typhoon Gaemi, which resulted in at least 10 fatalities, emphasizes the importance of heeding warnings and preparing for severe weather events like Typhoon Krathon.
What is the current situation in the Philippines due to Typhoon Krathon?
The typhoon has resulted in eight injuries and one missing person in the Philippines, with approximately 5,431 individuals displaced, primarily in the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions.
What is the focus for Taiwan and the Philippines moving forward regarding natural disasters?
Both countries need to enhance preparedness, invest in disaster resilience, and implement comprehensive disaster management plans to protect lives and minimize damage from future extreme weather events.
Feeling quite uneasy about this situation. It’s alarming to witness the increasing frequency of such potent storms. The impact of climate change is real, and Taiwan’s vulnerability is becoming a pressing concern. The loss of lives, even if minimal, underscores how unprepared we might be for these natural disasters. It’s time for serious reassessment and investment in infrastructure to handle these events before the next storm strikes.