Two people have tragically lost their lives as Typhoon Krathon wreaked havoc in southwestern Taiwan, particularly hitting the major port city of Kaohsiung with heavy rain. The typhoon, with winds reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour, made landfall in southern Taiwan, causing significant damage and prompting the island to shut down for a second consecutive day.
The Central Emergency Operations Center in Taiwan has reported two fatalities and 219 injuries, with one person still missing. The victims include a 66-year-old driver struck by falling rocks and a 70-year-old man who fell while trimming a tree during the storm.
Prior to reaching Taiwan, Typhoon Krathon had lingered between Taiwan and the Philippines as a Category 4 equivalent storm. Despite weakening upon landfall, the typhoon unleashed heavy rainfall, leading to the closure of schools, suspension of hundreds of flights, and power outages affecting close to 100,000 households.
The slow pace of the typhoon raised concerns in Kaohsiung, with officials warning of prolonged damage if the storm stalls in the area. Mayor Chen Chi-mai urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary risks.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, where the storm is known as Julien, coastal communities have faced severe flooding and evacuations due to the impact of the typhoon. Nearly 23,000 families across three regions have been affected by the storm, according to the national disaster agency.
As Taiwan and the Philippines grapple with the aftermath of Typhoon Krathon, both countries remain on high alert, with thousands of soldiers on standby to assist in emergency response efforts. The resilience and preparedness of these communities will be crucial in the recovery process following this destructive natural disaster.
