Taiwan Braces for Devastation as Super Typhoon Krathon Approaches

KAOHSIUNG: In a dramatic response to the impending threat of powerful Typhoon Krathon, Taiwan has mobilized nearly 40,000 troops as the storm nears its densely populated southwestern coast. As the super typhoon approaches, authorities are urging residents to prepare for a significant storm surge that may inundate coastal areas.

With the approach of Krathon, air travel has been heavily disrupted with numerous flights grounded and a key rail line suspended. In Kaohsiung, a city of approximately 2.7 million people, local businesses have closed their doors, and the streets are eerily quiet as residents heed warnings to stay indoors.

Traditionally, typhoons tend to strike the more mountainous eastern coast of Taiwan. However, Krathon is predicted to make landfall on the island’s flat western plains early Wednesday morning, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). Following its arrival in Kaohsiung, the storm is expected to traverse the heart of Taiwan before exiting into the East China Sea.

Forecasters from the CWA have indicated that Krathon has reached its peak intensity but may weaken slightly as it moves closer to land. However, they warn of extreme conditions, including wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h. Li Meng-hsiang, a CWA forecaster, emphasized that if heavy rains accompany the storm, coastal flooding could become a dire concern.

Kaohsiung's mayor, Chen Chi-mai, evoked memories of the catastrophic Typhoon Thelma in 1977, which devastated the city and resulted in 37 fatalities. "After the typhoon, the whole of Kaohsiung was without water and electricity, just like a war," he lamented, as he encouraged residents to limit their outings during the tempest.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has placed over 38,000 troops on standby, ready for search and rescue missions. Fisherman Chen Ming-huang expressed his determination to safeguard his boat from potential disaster, saying, "It's going to strike us directly. We must be fully prepared."

Meanwhile, tech giant TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor manufacturer, has activated its typhoon preparedness protocols to protect its major manufacturing facility in Tainan and reported no anticipated disruptions to its operations.

In a related incident off Taiwan's southeast coast, rescue helicopters managed to airlift 13 of 19 sailors from a cargo ship that began to list while en route from China to Singapore, with ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining crew members.

As the storm looms, the transportation sector is taking extensive precautions. Authorities have canceled 88 domestic flights and 24 international flights, with all domestic flights set to cease operations on Wednesday. The rail line connecting southern Taiwan to the east has also shut down, although the north-south high-speed rail remains operational, bolstered by heightened safety measures.

In Kaohsiung, residents have been proactive in their preparations. In one building near the airport, community members practiced erecting barriers to prevent water from flooding their underground parking facilities. One local, Chiu Yun-ping, noted the limited time they would have to react if rising water levels approach.

The warnings are particularly pertinent for those living close to the harbor. "We've got torches and emergency food supplies," said resident Chen Mei-ling, recalling the menacing high tides that crept perilously close during previous storms. "It's a strong typhoon and we are worried."

As Typhoon Krathon approaches, the question remains: will Taiwan's preparation be enough to withstand the potential fury of nature? Stay tuned for updates as conditions develop!