The powerful Typhoon Krathon is set to hit the southwestern city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan, with wind speeds of up to 173km/h (107mph) and gusts reaching 209km/h (130mph).
Taiwan is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Krathon, leading to widespread closures of offices and schools, evacuation orders, and cancellation of flights and ferry services.
The Central Weather Administration issued warnings as Krathon approached, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid flood-prone areas near rivers and mountains as heavy rain and strong winds are expected.
The typhoon, reminiscent of the devastating 1977 Typhoon Thelma, has the potential to cause significant damage and danger to Kaohsiung’s 2.7 million residents.
All cities and counties in Taiwan declared a day off in preparation, with nearly 10,000 people evacuated from high-risk zones and domestic and international flights suspended.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence has placed nearly 40,000 troops on standby, ready to respond to potential emergencies caused by the approaching storm.
Typhoons, a common occurrence in the Asia Pacific region, are becoming more intense and lasting longer over land due to climate change.