By Isha - Oct 03, 2024
Typhoon Krathon hits Taiwan causing casualties, injuries, and extensive damage as it moves towards the heavily populated southwest part of the island. Over 10,000 people evacuated their homes due to the storm, with maximum wind gusts reaching 78 mph. The typhoon brought heavy rainfall leading to landslides and flooding, resulting in two storm-related fatalities. Authorities closed down workplaces, schools, and the national stock exchange as a precautionary measure. Emergency services are on high alert to assist those affected by the ongoing havoc.
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Typhoon Krathon hit Taiwan on October 3, 2024, bringing with it damaging winds and pouring rain that have already claimed many lives and caused extensive damage. Authorities on the island confirmed at least two fatalities and over 120 injuries as the storm moved toward the heavily populated southwest part of the island. Due to the typhoon's effects, around 10,000 people were compelled to evacuate their homes as a safety measure against the extreme weather. With maximum wind gusts of about 78 mph or the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, Krathon started to move toward Taiwan's shore on Wednesday. It was anticipated that the storm would land in the vicinity of Kaohsiung, a significant port city with 2.7 million people.
Krathon lingered off the southern coast in the days preceding its arrival, progressively increasing and decreasing the amount of rainfall in different areas. Taitung County reported an extraordinary amount of almost 4.5 feet of rain since Tuesday, while Pingtung County recorded over three feet during the same period. In some places, especially Taitung, Pingtung, and the northeastern port city of Keelung, the unrelenting downpours have caused multiple landslides and flooding. The National Fire Agency reported two storm-related fatalities: a 66-year-old truck driver was killed when a boulder fell into the road, and a 70-year-old man was killed when he fell off a ladder while trying to trim tree limbs.
Taiwanese authorities shut down workplaces and schools for two days in a preventative move in reaction to the potential calamity. As an additional precaution, the national stock exchange was closed. As the storm approached, several international flights were canceled and domestic flights were suspended. By taking a proactive approach, the administration sought to reduce hazards to public safety during the extreme weather. Typhoons frequently occur in Taiwan, however, they usually hit the island's hilly eastern coast instead of its more heavily populated western areas. This unique trajectory has aroused fears among citizens and officials alike regarding potential devastation. Emergency services are on high alert and are putting forth great effort to help those impacted by Krathon as it continues to wreak havoc across Taiwan.