Taiwan Braces for Typhoon Krathon: 40,000 Troops Mobilized
Taiwan prepares for Typhoon Krathon's landfall on its populous southwest coast. Nearly 40,000 troops mobilized as Kaohsiung declares holiday. Coast guard races to rescue 19 sailors who abandoned ship.
As Taiwan braces for the imminent arrival of Typhoon Krathon, authorities have mobilized nearly 40,000 troops to bolster rescue efforts. The powerful storm is expected to make landfall on October 2, 2024, along the island's densely populated southwest coast, an unusual trajectory for typhoons in the region.
Taiwan, which experiences an average of 3-4 typhoons annually, typically sees these storms hit its mountainous eastern coastline. However, Krathon's projected path takes it directly towards the western plain, home to major urban centers and critical infrastructure.
The port city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan's third-largest city with a population of approximately 2.7 million, is preparing for a direct hit. Local officials have declared a holiday, urging residents to remain indoors as the storm approaches. Krathon is anticipated to reach the area as a category 4 storm, with wind speeds potentially exceeding 150 kilometers per hour.
Li Meng-hsiang, a forecaster for Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, warned of the potential for storm surges and coastal flooding. The combination of heavy rainfall and high tides could pose significant challenges for water discharge in low-lying areas.
In response to the impending threat, Taiwan's defense ministry has placed over 38,000 troops on standby. This mobilization represents a significant portion of the island's active military personnel, which totals around 300,000.
"It's going to strike us directly. We must be fully prepared. In the worst case scenario the ropes might snap and my boat could drift away."
As Kaohsiung residents secure their properties and stock up on supplies, the city's bustling streets have fallen quiet. The usually vibrant wet markets and shops have shuttered, with most businesses closing in anticipation of the typhoon's arrival.
Meanwhile, off Taiwan's southeast coast, a dramatic rescue operation is underway. The coast guard is racing to locate and save 19 sailors who were forced to abandon their cargo vessel, the Blue Lagoon, as it took on water in its engine room. The multinational crew, consisting of Ukrainians, Egyptians, and Russians, had departed from China's Caofeidian port en route to Singapore when they encountered difficulties.
Taiwan's strategic importance extends beyond its immediate concerns with Typhoon Krathon. As the world's largest producer of semiconductor chips, any disruption to the island's infrastructure could have global repercussions. The island's complex relationship with China and its key role in international technology supply chains add layers of significance to its ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters.
As Typhoon Krathon approaches, Taiwan's resilience is once again being put to the test. The island's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire has long made it prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes and typhoons. However, its subtropical to tropical climate and diverse geography – from coastal plains to high mountain peaks like Yushan at 3,952 meters – present unique challenges in disaster preparedness and response.
The coming days will be crucial for Taiwan as it faces this latest meteorological threat. The island's experience in dealing with typhoons, combined with its robust emergency response systems, will be vital in mitigating the potential impacts of Typhoon Krathon on its population and critical infrastructure.
