Taiwan Braces for Typhoon Krathon with Land Warning

Taiwan issued a land warning as Typhoon Krathon is expected to hit the island's west coast with torrential rain and strong winds. The storm is predicted to intensify into a Category 4 hurricane, posing a significant threat. Taiwan authorities have mobilized resources and standby personnel in preparation.

Taiwan issued a land warning on Monday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon, expected to intensify and strike the island's densely populated west coast with torrential rain and strong winds.

Typically, typhoons impact Taiwan's less populated eastern region. However, Krathon, a medium strength typhoon, is forecasted to target the major port city of Kaohsiung early on Wednesday, before crossing Taiwan's southern tip and exiting into the Pacific, as per the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

According to Tropical Storm Risk, the typhoon could evolve into a Category 4 hurricane, with winds exceeding 220 km/h (125 mph) near its center. Gene Huang, a CWA forecaster, emphasized the increasing threat to Taiwan's southwest, noting it is uncommon for such a powerful typhoon to hit the western plains. Residents are warned to brace for extreme winds. Over 1,000 rubber boats and 2,200 soldiers are on standby across Taiwan, including the eastern coast, which could see up to 1.3 meters (four feet) of rain. Some domestic flights have been canceled, and July's Typhoon Gaemi had claimed at least 11 lives in Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies.)