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Typhoon Krathon Makes Landfall In Southern Taiwan; Causes Fierce Winds, Heavy Flooding And Travel Chaos

Authorities have set up emergency response units to handle power restoration and aid stranded citizens.

by Nikitha Sebastian
Typhoon Krathon Makes Landfall In Southern Taiwan; Causes Fierce Winds, Heavy Flooding And Travel Chaos

Travelling to Taiwan? Beware of travel chaos as Typhoon Krathon hits the island bringing fierce winds and torrential rain that have battered southern Taiwan, affecting transportation, businesses, and daily life.

Typhoon Krathon Makes Landfall In Southern Taiwan

Typhoon Krathon made landfall in Taiwan on Thursday. The storm struck Kaohsiung, a major port city, and brought heavy rain and strong winds. Kaohsiung’s industrial Siaogang district faced the brunt of it around 12:40 pm, according to the Central Weather Administration. Winds reached 126 km/h, with gusts up to 162 km/h. The storm led to school closures, road blockages, and damage across the southern part of the island.

Kaohsiung authorities warned residents of the storm’s potential. The typhoon’s impact was evident as the winds tore down storefronts and submerged car parks. Fallen trees blocked many streets, and emergency services worked tirelessly to clear the debris. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in Kaohsiung, though the property damage was significant.

The storm’s intensity forced many businesses to close, leaving streets mostly empty except for emergency personnel. Residents took shelter indoors, following government advisories. With most public transport suspended, travel in the southern cities has become difficult, causing disruptions for both locals and tourists.

Also Read: Super Typhoon Yagi: 14 Dead, Over 100 Injured; Widespread Destruction Caused Across Vietnam And China

Expected To  Weaken

The typhoon is expected to weaken as it moves north towards Taipei and eventually head to China. Authorities believe it will become a tropical depression by Friday. Soldiers from a nearby base helped medical staff and firefighters. They worked through the stormy conditions to evacuate the patients. The strong winds and rain made rescue operations challenging, yet the military and emergency services continued with determination. Around 176 patients were moved out to safety, braving the storm as they were transferred to shelters and nearby hospitals.

The flooding and damages have left southern Taiwan facing a difficult situation. Roads have become impassable, and emergency crews are working to restore services and clear routes. Power cuts were reported in several areas, adding to the challenge for residents. Authorities have set up emergency response units to handle power restoration and aid stranded citizens.

For travellers, the typhoon has led to widespread cancellations. Flights from southern airports, including those in Kaohsiung, have been disrupted. The airport terminal in Kaohsiung saw heavy rainwater leaking inside. Those travelling to or from Taiwan are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. Train services in the south are also either suspended or delayed.

Also Read: Shanghai Battered By Typhoon Bebinca, The Most Powerful Storm In Over Seven Decades, Disrupting Mid-Autumn Festival

Taiwan’s government has urged residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Heavy rains continue to pour, and flooding remains a major risk. Tourists in southern Taiwan are advised to stay updated on local news. The situation may affect travel plans for the coming days.

Cover Image Courtesy: @Apen3056Gaming, @wangzi_bian /X (Formerly, Twitter)

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First Published: October 04, 2024 11:31 AM