Taiwan Braces for Unprecedented Hit by Category 4 Typhoon Krathon

Taiwan has issued a land warning as Typhoon Krathon, a Category 4 hurricane, approaches. The storm is expected to strike the west coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities have mobilized resources, including military support, and are making preparations for the typhoon's unprecedented impact on the island's densely populated areas.

Taiwan has issued a land warning ahead of the impending arrival of Typhoon Krathon, which has escalated to the strength of a Category 4 hurricane. The storm is projected to hit the highly populated west coast, ushering in torrential rains and fierce winds. Although typhoons frequently impact Taiwan, they typically make landfall on the less inhabited east coast that faces the Pacific.

The major port city of Kaohsiung is on high alert as Krathon is forecast to hit late Wednesday morning, traveling northeast across Taiwan's center before moving into the East China Sea, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). The typhoon, now equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, boasts winds exceeding 210 kph (125 mph) near its core, according to Tropical Storm Risk.

'The impact is getting bigger and bigger,' CWA forecaster Gene Huang said, highlighting the risk to Taiwan's southwest and noting the rarity of such a powerful storm directly hitting the island's western plains. Huang advised residents to brace for extreme winds exceeding 150 kph (93 mph). Over 1,000 rubber boats and 15,000 soldiers are on standby, and military hospitals are prepared for emergencies. Transportation disruptions include the suspension of rail services in southern Taiwan, with more cancellations expected.

(With inputs from agencies.)