Taiwan Braces for Super Typhoon Krathon: Evacuations, School Closures, and Military Deployment

Taiwan is taking extensive precautions as Super Typhoon Krathon, categorized as a Category 3 hurricane, approaches its densely populated southwestern region. The typhoon, with sustained winds of 198 kilometers per hour (123 miles per hour) and gusts reaching up to 245 kilometers per hour (152 miles per hour), is expected to make landfall near the major port city of Kaohsiung.

Evacuations and Preparations

In anticipation of the storm, Taiwanese authorities have evacuated over 7,700 individuals from at-risk areas, with a particular focus on the southern regions. Schools and offices across southern and eastern Taiwan have been closed, and residents in Kaohsiung have been advised to stay at home. The city, home to approximately 2.7 million people, has seen residents taking proactive measures such as filling sandbags and securing windows with tape to mitigate flood damage.

The interior ministry and local authorities have relocated hundreds of residents from hilly areas susceptible to landslides. Additionally, nearly 40,000 military personnel have been deployed to assist with emergency operations and rescue efforts.

Impact on Travel and Daily Life

The impending storm has disrupted travel plans, with numerous international and domestic flights canceled. The national rail service provider has also suspended certain train operations starting Tuesday. Airlines such as Hong Kong Airlines have scrapped services between Hong Kong and Taipei.

In Kaohsiung, shops and eateries have been closed, and coast guard officials are patrolling areas like Sizihwan Bay, urging locals to stay away due to powerful waves. A Barbadian vessel, the 'Blue Lagoon,' is taking on water, and its 19 crew members are awaiting air rescue when conditions improve.

Previous Impact and Climate Concerns

Before reaching Taiwan, Typhoon Krathon impacted the northern Philippines, causing nearly 2,000 displacements, ripping roofs off rural homes, uprooting trees, and resulting in extensive flooding. The storm also disrupted power and communication services in the Batanes islands.

Typhoons are common in the region, but recent research indicates that these storms are increasingly developing closer to coastlines, intensifying faster, and persisting longer over land due to climate change.

Government Response and Warnings

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has cautioned that the typhoon could result in 'catastrophic damage' due to its unusual trajectory. The Central Weather Administration has advised residents in Kaohsiung, Tainan City, Pingtung County, and Chiayi County to exercise 'strict precautions' in anticipation of severe winds and heavy rains.

The storm's approach from the south and its expected exit towards the east have necessitated heightened vigilance. Kaohsiung's mayor described the storm as 'no less powerful' than the 1977 Typhoon Thelma, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.