Taiwan Braces for Impact as Super Typhoon Krathon Approaches

Taiwan readied 40,000 troops and emergency services as Typhoon Krathon neared its southwest coast. With evacuation operations underway and significant infrastructure disruptions, the island braces for severe weather. Kaohsiung declared a holiday, urging residents to stay indoors, reminiscent of the devastation from Typhoon Thelma in 1977.

Taiwan has mobilized nearly 40,000 troops on standby for rescue operations as the powerful Typhoon Krathon approaches its densely populated southwest coast, threatening to bring a significant storm surge. Helicopters have already airlifted 13 of 19 sailors abandoned at sea during the encroaching storm.

Some flights have been canceled, a rail line was closed, and the major port city of Kaohsiung saw shops and restaurants shuttered while streets remained mostly empty. Although Taiwan frequently faces typhoons, this one is unique in approaching the flat western plains rather than the mountainous east coast.

The typhoon is expected to make landfall in Kaohsiung by Wednesday afternoon before traveling northeast across Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) stated. Kaohsiung, home to 2.7 million residents, declared a public holiday, urging everyone to stay indoors as the storm, classified as a super typhoon by the U.S. Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center, approaches.

CWA forecaster Li Meng-hsiang warned of gusts exceeding 150 kph (93 mph) and potential inland water surges. Heavy rainfall could also lead to flooding in coastal areas. Reflecting on Typhoon Thelma's 1977 devastation, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai reminded residents to limit outdoor activities as much as possible.

The defence ministry reported over 38,000 troops ready for deployment, while local fisherman Chen Ming-huang busily secured his boat. TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker located nearby, has activated its typhoon protocols without expecting major operational impacts.

Rescue helicopters have successfully saved 13 sailors from a listing cargo vessel near the southeast coast, with ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining six. The transport ministry announced the cancellation of 88 domestic and 24 international flights, along with suspension of boat services to outlying islands. All domestic flights will be halted on Wednesday.

Despite a rail line closure connecting southern and eastern Taiwan, the high-speed north-south line remains operational with heightened safety checks. Scenes of deserted streets, closed shops, and emergency preparations have become common in Kaohsiung as residents brace for the storm.

In Siaogang district, residents practiced rapid deployment of flood barriers in underground parking lots. Chen Mei-ling, who resides near the harbor, recounted past typhoon experiences and prepared emergency supplies, anticipating significant storm impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)