Taipei, Taiwan – The powerful Typhoon Krathon made landfall on Taiwan's southwest coast Thursday, wreaking havoc across the region and causing significant disruptions. Although the storm has weakened to a category one typhoon, it has already claimed the lives of two individuals and led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Heavy rainfall, with some areas in eastern Taiwan receiving over 1.6 centimeters, has resulted in severe conditions, including rock and mudslides from mountainous regions that have obstructed roadways.
The storm hit the major coastal city of Kaohsiung around noon, prompting government officials to issue urgent warnings of torrential rain, strong winds, and high waves due to high tide. Residents of Kaohsiung, which boasts a population of approximately 2.7 million, received emergency alerts urging them to seek shelter as winds reached speeds of 160 kilometers per hour, with gusts recorded at 220 kilometers per hour along the coast. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai expressed concern over public safety, stating, “In surveillance camera footage, we can see that many people are riding scooters in such strong winds and rain, which is really dangerous.”
He emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary outings during this precarious time. Among those braving the storm was a 24-year-old Taipei University student, Liao Xian-rong, who traveled to Kaohsiung with friends for what they dubbed a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Equipped with a barometer and filming the tumult from a hotel lobby, Liao’s enthusiasm contrasted sharply with the warnings from local authorities. Tragically, Taiwan's fire department reported that both fatalities were associated with storm-related incidents.
One victim died after a tree fell while being pruned, and another lost their life when a stone struck their moving vehicle. As the storm continues to impact the region, many areas remain under distress, with rocks and mud blocking essential roads. Despite the chaos, the Southern Taiwan Science Park reported that its operations were proceeding as usual, housing the main factory of TSMC, one of the leading chip manufacturing companies in the world.
As Typhoon Krathon gradually moves toward Taiwan's western plains, it is predicted to weaken into a tropical depression by late Friday night, potentially affecting the capital, Taipei. Since the storm's onset, all domestic flights have been canceled for two consecutive days, along with 236 international flights. The north-south high-speed rail line has suspended services from central to southern Taiwan, and financial markets have remained closed amid the crisis.
Typhoons are not uncommon for Taiwan's east coast; however, Krathon's direct impact on the west coast has drawn particular attention and raised concerns among residents and officials alike. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge citizens to remain cautious as conditions evolve.
