Ravaging Storm: Typhoon Krathon Brings Chaos to Taiwan

Typhoon Krathon struck Taiwan, delivering torrential rain and gusty winds, impacting the economy and causing injuries and deaths. Schools and businesses closed in Kaohsiung as the storm flooded roads and uprooted trees. The storm was expected to weaken as it headed toward China's coast.

Typhoon Krathon made a dramatic impact as it hit Taiwan's major port city of Kaohsiung on Thursday, unleashing torrential rains and fierce winds across the island's southern regions. The storm's arrival toppled trees and flooded roads, leading to school and business closures in affected areas.

The typhoon struck the Siaogang district around 12:40 p.m., bringing maximum winds of up to 126 kph and gusts reaching 162 kph, as reported by the Central Weather Administration. Predicted to move north and weaken, Krathon is set to transition into a tropical depression by Friday, before heading toward Taiwan's capital, Taipei, and then across the Taiwan Strait to China.

Despite the fierce conditions, no lives were reported lost in Kaohsiung. However, at least 123 were injured across the island, with two fatalities and two missing individuals. Additionally, a separate fire incident in Pingtung County led to nine deaths, though its connection to the typhoon is unconfirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)