Taiwan Prepares for Major Typhoon as It Affects Largest Port and Northern Philippines

Photo : Reuters

Taiwan is gearing up for the impact of Super Typhoon Krathon, which is expected to make landfall in the next few days after battering the northern Philippines. In response to the impending storm, the Taiwanese military has been placed on standby, and schools and offices across several counties will be closed on Tuesday.

Currently situated in the Bashi Channel, Krathon is comparable to a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane. As of 11:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the typhoon was reported to have winds reaching 240 kph (150 mph), according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). Meteorologists anticipate that Krathon will weaken slightly before making landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s major port city, likely on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. The storm is projected to move northeast across the island, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and significant storm surges.

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In the Philippines, where the storm is referred to as Typhoon Julien, Krathon has already caused considerable devastation, particularly in the northern islands. Severe flooding and evacuations have been reported in coastal communities, with rainfall amounts reaching 100-200mm (4-8 inches) in the northern Batanes islands. According to local disaster agencies, nearly 23,000 families across three regions have been impacted, and efforts are underway to assess the damage caused by the storm.

On September 30, rescuers were deployed to assist residents in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte province, as they dealt with floods resulting from the typhoon. The situation is critical, and local authorities are mobilizing resources to address the challenges faced by affected communities.

In a recent address, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te highlighted the potential for “catastrophic damage” and urged citizens to remain vigilant as the storm approaches. He emphasized that Typhoon Krathon is poised to deliver strong winds, heavy rains, and elevated storm surges, which could lead to severe disruptions across the island. During a visit to the Central Emergency Operations Center, established to manage response measures, Lai stressed the importance of preparedness.

Historically, Taiwan has effectively managed responses to significant typhoons, though remote villages in mountainous regions are often at risk of landslides. The Central Weather Administration has issued sea and land typhoon warnings for the southern and eastern regions, warning that the storm's slow progression could lead to torrential rains in southeastern areas.

In Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest city and a major cargo port with a population of 2.7 million, emergency responders have already evacuated approximately 1,690 individuals from high-risk zones. Taiwan’s defense ministry has placed over 15,000 soldiers on standby across the island to assist with evacuation and rescue operations.

This will be the second typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan this year, following Typhoon Gaemi in July, which resulted in 11 fatalities. In preparation, some train services in eastern Taiwan have been suspended, and a highway in Hualien County has partially closed due to landslides.

As the region braces for the approaching super typhoon, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing the impact of Krathon on both Taiwan and the Philippines.

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