Typhoon Krathon Wreaks Havoc in Taiwan: 2 Deaths, Economic Disruption

Krathon Batters Taiwan, 2 Fatalities Reported

The typhoon's heavy rains battered Taiwan, particularly in the mountainous and eastern regions...

Typhoon Krathon Hits Taiwan - widespread disruption and destruction.

Typhoon Krathon brought devastation to southwestern Taiwan, claiming at least two lives and disrupting economic activities for the second consecutive day. The storm made landfall in Kaohsiung, a crucial port city, around noon on October 3, as a Category 1 typhoon with significantly diminished strength.

Taiwan's port city of Kaohsiung recorded unprecedented wind gusts of over 220 km/h (137 mph) as Typhoon Krathon made landfall. The powerful storm brought widespread destruction, with officials confirming at least two fatalities.

The typhoon's heavy rains battered Taiwan, particularly in the mountainous and eastern regions. According to reports, the two victims lost their lives in separate incidents: one while attempting to cut down a tree, and the other after being struck by a rock while driving.

Residents received urgent text alerts, warning them to seek shelter from powerful winds exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph). The port city recorded unprecedented gusts surpassing 220 km/h (137 mph), highlighting the storm's ferocity.

Updates:

• At least 2 fatalities reported
• Economic activities halted for 2 consecutive days
• Typhoon Krathon makes landfall in Kaohsiung
• Wind gusts reach 220 km/h (137 mph)
• Residents advised to take shelter

The impact of Typhoon Krathon continues to affect Taiwan, with authorities and emergency services working to assess damage and provide aid to affected areas.

Chou Yi-tang, a government official in Siaogang district, home to Kaohsiung's airport said, “it is very powerful and It's been a long time since such a big storm made a landfall here.”

Typhoon Krathon's strong winds and heavy rainfall forced Taiwan's financial markets, offices, and schools to remain closed for the second day in a row. The storm's impact on daily life was widespread, with:

• Over 100,000 homes experiencing power outages, primarily in Kaohsiung (around 50,000)
• All domestic flights grounded for the second consecutive day
• 242 international flights suspended

In a tragic unrelated incident, a hospital fire in Pingtung County, Taiwan, claimed nine lives. The blaze, caused by an electrical issue, prompted:

• Emergency evacuation of patients
• Deployment of soldiers from a nearby base to assist medical staff and firefighters
• Ongoing investigation into the cause of the electrical issue

Key Updates:

• Taiwan's financial markets, offices, and schools closed for 2nd day
• Power outages affect over 100,000 homes
• Flight suspensions: 242 international, all domestic
• Hospital fire in Pingtung County claims 9 lives
• Soldiers assist in evacuation and firefighting efforts

The authorities continue to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Krathon and provide aid to affected areas.

Flight operations severely disrupted. All domestic flights and 242 international flights canceled for second day straight.