**Work and Travel Resume in Taiwan as Typhoon Krathon Fades Away**
After Typhoon Krathon finally dissipated over a mountain range, work, classes, and flights resumed across Taiwan. The typhoon had brought torrential rainfall to the island, but its weakening led to a return to normalcy for many residents.
Although a heavy rain advisory remained in place for the northern coast and mountainous areas, the worst of the storm had passed. Two landslides occurred in the affected regions early Friday, causing some disruptions, but the situation was quickly improving.
Krathon, which had brought much of the island to a standstill for three days, weakened to a tropical depression. Its centre moved back over the sea after traversing the southwestern tip of the island in what was described as a “U-turn” overnight.
Schools and businesses reopened across most of Taiwan, with the exception of certain areas like Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, and parts of Hualien County and New Taipei. Domestic flights, which had been suspended for two days, also resumed operations.
The city of Kaohsiung bore the brunt of Krathon’s fury, experiencing winds of up to 126 kph (78 mph) along with higher gusts. The storm caused trees to fall and roads to flood in the region. Moreover, heavy rains and flooding were reported along the southern and eastern coasts of Taiwan.
Taitung County, a mountainous region, saw a staggering 171 centimeters (5.6 feet) of rain over a period of six days, highlighting the intensity of the storm. Tragically, two people had lost their lives earlier in the week, with one person still missing after being swept off a bridge.
Officials had initially feared that Krathon would bring devastation on a scale similar to a major typhoon in 1977, which resulted in 37 fatalities. However, the storm weakened significantly upon making landfall in Kaohsiung before dissipating over the mountains northeast of the city.
According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, Krathon was only the second typhoon in recent history to lose strength over Taiwan, the other being Typhoon Trami in 2001. The relief felt across the island was evident as life began to return to normalcy following the harrowing experience.
*[Source: The Independent]*