TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Krathon slammed into southern Taiwan on Thursday (Sept. 3), bringing severe floods, toppling trees, and closing schools and businesses for a second consecutive day. Despite losing strength after making landfall, the typhoon continued to wreak havoc across the island, with sustained winds of 126 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 162 kph.
The storm has left two people dead, over 100 injured, and two still missing, according to emergency officials. Power outages affected 170,000 households, but authorities managed to restore electricity to 70 percent of those affected. By late morning, around 50,000 households remained without power. Transport has also been severely disrupted, with more than 200 flights canceled or delayed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Emergency Response Underway
In Taipei, Mayor Chiang Wan-an said his administration is taking all necessary precautions to protect citizens. "We are following the relevant standards, and we absolutely prioritize citizens’ life and property," Chiang said during a briefing at the city’s disaster response center. He emphasized that his team will continue to monitor weather conditions and the progression of the typhoon.
Chiang ordered city departments to expedite cleanup and restoration efforts, in preparation for resuming normal activities on Friday. Hundreds of fallen trees and billboards have been reported across the city, particularly in mountainous areas where wind gusts reached dangerous levels.
Authorities have expanded sea warnings to cover the Taiwan Strait, waters northeast and southeast of Taiwan, the Bashi Channel, and the area surrounding Dongsha Island. Land warnings now include most cities and counties across the island as the typhoon moves northward, though experts predict it will weaken into a tropical depression before reaching Taipei.
Despite minimal rainfall in Taipei, the city is bracing for continued strong winds. "We will keep monitoring the weather and the dynamics of this typhoon," Chiang added.
Weather authorities predict the storm will spare Taipei from the most severe conditions, with the city likely avoiding level 7 storm intensity and land warnings.
As Taiwan works to recover from the immediate impact of Typhoon Krathon, officials remain on alert, ensuring citizens stay informed and safe amid one of the island’s most disruptive storms in recent memory.
