Taiwan Braces for Super Typhoon Krathon with Massive Rescue Efforts

Taiwan has mobilized nearly 40,000 troops as the powerful Typhoon Krathon approaches its southwest coast. The typhoon is expected to hit Kaohsiung, prompting city-wide precautions and the search for 19 stranded sailors. The storm could bring severe flooding, with gusts exceeding 150 kph and heavy rains complicating water discharge.

Taiwan mobilized nearly 40,000 troops on Tuesday to bolster rescue efforts as the powerful Typhoon Krathon approached its populous southwest coast, posing a significant threat of a storm surge. The coast guard raced to locate 19 sailors who abandoned ship amid the tempest's approach.

Krathon is expected to make landfall in the major port city of Kaohsiung on Wednesday morning before moving across central Taiwan and exiting into the East China Sea, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA). Kaohsiung, home to around 2.7 million people, declared a holiday and advised residents to stay indoors as the super typhoon looms.

Taiwan's defence ministry stated it has over 38,000 troops on standby as residents in Kaohsiung prepared for the worst. The transport ministry reported the cancellation of 85 domestic and nine international flights and the cessation of boat services to outlying islands. Rail services were also disrupted, although the north-south high-speed line remained operational with enhanced safety checks.

(With inputs from agencies.)