Taiwan Mobilizes Troops as Typhoon Krathon Approaches

Total Views : 15
Zoom In Zoom Out Read Later Print

In Taiwan, schools and offices were closed as Typhoon Krathon approached the west coast after moving from the Philippines. Authorities have evacuated over 7,000 residents, and thousands of troops are prepared for deployment.

On Tuesday, schools and offices in Taiwan were closed as the island prepared for Typhoon Krathon, which is projected to impact the west coast after moving away from the Philippines. President Lai Ching-te expressed concern during a government briefing, stating that the typhoon's unique path—entering from the south and exiting through the east—necessitates heightened vigilance and could "inevitably cause catastrophic damage."

Authorities reported that the typhoon was advancing toward Taiwan with maximum sustained winds of 198 kilometers per hour (123 miles per hour) and gusts reaching 245 kilometers per hour (152 miles per hour), categorizing it as a Category 3 hurricane. The Interior Ministry announced the mobilization of approximately 40,000 troops and the evacuation of over 7,700 residents in preparation for the storm.

Typhoon Krathon is anticipated to strike Kaohsiung, a southwestern port city with a population of 2.7 million, on Wednesday, according to the Central Weather Administration. In anticipation of the storm, shops and restaurants in the city closed their doors on Tuesday, and numerous domestic and international flights were canceled. Residents took precautions by taping windows and erecting sandbags and barriers to protect their homes from potential flooding.

Reports indicate around 15 minor injuries across Taiwan on Tuesday, including an incident in Taitung where a truck driver was hospitalized after being struck by a falling rock while navigating a mountainous area. The Taiwanese Coast Guard also reported that a ship named "Blue Lagoon," located off the coast of Taitung, was taking on water and tilting due