Super Typhoon Krathon, with Category 4 strength, is on a path towards southwestern Taiwan, prompting widespread preparations and evacuations as it gears up to make a rare direct hit on the island’s western plains. Meteorologists have warned that the storm, reaching maximum sustained winds of 198kmph and gusts exceeding 245kmph, poses a significant threat to the region.
Currently situated 208km south-southeast of Kaohsiung, Super Typhoon Krathon has intensified rapidly, evolving into a super typhoon and moving slowly towards the island at a speed of 4-5kmph. Its outer bands have already started affecting the southern coast of Taiwan, bringing heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) has expanded its warning zones to encompass more areas, with mountainous districts such as Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui in Kaohsiung placed on high alert for potential landslides. Precautionary evacuations have been carried out, with over 500 individuals relocated from these at-risk regions.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan has expressed concerns over the impending catastrophic damage that Super Typhoon Krathon is expected to bring. Flight operations have been significantly disrupted, with more than 94 flights cancelled across the country in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Before heading towards Taiwan, Typhoon Krathon battered the northern Philippines, causing heavy rain, strong winds, and landslides. Provinces like Cagayan and Batanes faced the brunt of the storm, with authorities issuing warnings for storm surges, flooding, and initiating evacuations in vulnerable coastal and island communities.
As the typhoon approaches Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, forecasters predict potential erratic movement and sudden changes in course. The high mountains could possibly weaken the storm slightly, although residents are urged to prepare for extreme weather conditions including powerful winds exceeding 200 kmph, heavy rainfall, and the risk of landslides and flooding.
Coastal and low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to storm surges and flooding, prompting the implementation of disaster prevention measures across the island. Evacuations, online schooling, distribution of sandbags, and preparation of flood control systems are in full swing to mitigate the impact of the impending weather chaos.
With additional heavy rain warnings issued for various regions in Taiwan, authorities are on high alert and have mobilised military personnel to assist with evacuations and rescue operations. Residents are advised to stay updated on the storm’s progress and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety amid the looming threat posed by Super Typhoon Krathon.