Taiwan Braces for Typhoon Krathon with Mass Mobilization

Taiwan has mobilized nearly 40,000 troops as Typhoon Krathon approaches, threatening the populous southwestern coast. With 19 sailors stranded and adverse weather conditions hindering rescue efforts, flights have been canceled, and significant parts of Kaohsiung are shut down. The storm's impact is likened to the devastating Typhoon Thelma of 1977.

Taiwan has mobilized nearly 40,000 troops on standby as Typhoon Krathon nears its southwestern coast, threatening massive storm surges. As the typhoon advanced, coast guard crews raced to locate 19 sailors forced to abandon a waterlogged ship. Rescue operations were hampered by strong winds and rain.

Flight cancellations and rail line closures ensued, while the major port city of Kaohsiung saw shops and restaurants close and streets empty. Although Taiwan often faces typhoons, this storm will make landfall on its densely populated western plain.

Krathon is expected to strike Kaohsiung, home to 2.7 million, early Wednesday, then move northeast across Taiwan, exiting into the East China Sea. The city declared a holiday, urging residents to stay indoors as the U.S. Navy labeled it a 'super typhoon'.

Li Meng-hsiang from Taiwan's Central Weather Administration warned of maximum intensity winds and potential flooding. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai compared the storm to Typhoon Thelma of 1977, which caused widespread devastation.

Defence ministry confirmed over 38,000 troops on alert, with residents preparing against the worst. Despite emergency measures, TSMC, a major tech supplier, reported minimal operational impact.

In rescue efforts southeast, the coast guard dispatched a boat for 19 sailors from the cargo Blue Lagoon. Transport ministry reported numerous flight and boat cancellations, with additional domestic flight halts on Wednesday. Some rail lines were closed with heightened safety checks.

Shops and street markets in Kaohsiung were shuttered, and buildings prepped for potential flooding. Residents, remembering previous typhoon impacts, made detailed emergency preparations. Concerns remain high over the imminent storm.

(With inputs from agencies.)