In Pictures: Typhoon Krathon disrupts life in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung

Typhoon Krathon hit Taiwan on September 27, 2024, bringing severe weather. The slow-moving storm struck Kaohsiung, initially categorized as a weaker Category 1 typhoon. Residents were warned of wind gusts exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph), prompting authorities to advise locals to seek shelter. The typhoon's impact was significant in Kaohsiung, with a population of 2.7 million. Photo credit:

The Kaohsiung government took extensive precautions for the storm, given the city's past experiences with typhoons. The last major storm, Typhoon Thelma in 1977, caused devastating loss of life and property. Residents recalled the fear from that time and were determined to stay safe. Text alerts were sent early on the day of the storm, emphasizing the need to take shelter from the dangerous weather. Photo credit: @Focus_Taiwan/X

As Typhoon Krathon approached, the Taiwan Central Weather Administration issued warnings for heavy rainfall and high winds. With the storm making landfall near Kaohsiung, residents faced disruptions. The government suspended all domestic flights and grounded hundreds of international flights. Public transportation, including the north-south high-speed rail, also experienced complete service suspensions, stranding many travelers as safety became the priority. Photo credit: @Kiranjoshi900/X

By afternoon, Krathon had weakened but remained a powerful storm. Sustained winds were at 173 km/h, with gusts of 209 km/h. Despite the storm's diminishing strength, torrential rain posed serious risks, leading to fears of flooding and landslides. Authorities warned residents to stay indoors, with emergency services on standby for crises from the extreme weather. Photo credit: @Kiranjoshi900/X

Satellite imagery from the Himawari-8 weather satellite showed the storm's structure at landfall. Cloud bands encircled the storm, indicating potential heavy rainfall across Taiwan. Even as Krathon moved inland, its impact remained severe. The Central Weather Administration confirmed rain advisories until Friday morning, particularly in southern and eastern regions with elevated flooding threats. Photo credit: @nanana365media/X

Local media labeled Typhoon Krathon’s landfall as “weird” due to its unusual trajectory. Unlike most typhoons that hit Taiwan’s east coast, Krathon struck the densely populated west coast, causing disruption. The storm lingered near the coast longer than usual, contributing to the intense rainfall. This prompted discussions among meteorologists and raised concerns about future storm patterns. Photo credit: @nanana365media/X

Reports confirmed at least two fatalities in Taiwan due to Typhoon Krathon’s extreme weather. The victims were elderly men who succumbed to storm-related incidents. Earlier in the week, the storm had already claimed lives in the Philippines, highlighting its regional impact. Emergency services in Taiwan remained on high alert. Photo credit: screengrab/X

As Typhoon Krathon continued to wreak havoc across Taiwan, the government urged residents to stay indoors. The storm, slightly weakened, remained a threat due to its rain and high winds. Schools and businesses were closed, and financial markets were shut down for the second day. With the next update expected as Krathon moves inland, the focus remained on safeguarding lives and property. Photo credit: @Kiranjoshi900/X