Taiwan Braces for Typhoon Krathon: Flights Grounded, Markets and Schools Closed

Taiwan halted flights, closed schools, offices, and financial markets on Wednesday as Typhoon Krathon approached. With one reported death and heavy rain in the south, officials in Kaohsiung warned residents to stay home. Despite its weakening, the typhoon poses flood and wind risks as it nears Taiwan's coast.

Taiwan came to a standstill on Wednesday, canceling hundreds of flights and shutting down schools, offices, and financial markets in anticipation of Typhoon Krathon, which has already claimed one life and brought torrential rain to the island's southern regions.

Kaohsiung, a critical port city expected to be in the storm's eye, advised residents to stay indoors and avoid water bodies, echoing fears of a repeat of 1977's Typhoon Thelma that ravaged the city, killing 37 people. Despite Krathon's weakening, forecasters warned of significant threats from storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rain.

As precautionary measures intensified, Taiwan's defense ministry deployed over 38,000 troops, and extensive evacuations were conducted. Financial markets remained closed, domestic flights were grounded, and sandbags were distributed in record numbers. The typhoon's potential to morph into a tropical depression upon landfall keeps authorities and residents on high alert.

(With inputs from agencies.)