Taiwan recently endured the powerful Typhoon Krathon, which caused widespread damage and brought the entire island to a standstill for two days. The storm, initially a Category 4 typhoon, weakened before hitting southwestern Taiwan near Kaohsiung, resulting in power outages, flooding, and two fatalities in the east.
Considered a “weird” storm by local media, Krathon lingered near Taiwan’s coast, moving unusually slowly and making landfall on the heavily populated western coast. Schools, offices, and shops were closed, flights were cancelled, and transportation services were suspended, affecting thousands of residents.
Despite preparations, the storm left many areas inundated, with tens of thousands of households without power. Eastern regions experienced significant rainfall, causing mudslides and road blockages. The storm also tragically led to a fire at a hospital in southern Taiwan, claiming nine lives.
The slow movement of storms like Krathon is a concerning trend linked to the climate crisis, as rising global temperatures fuel more intense and sluggish storms. Taiwan’s resilience in the face of Typhoon Krathon highlights the importance of preparedness and adaptation in the era of extreme weather events.
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