2 dead, economic activities halted as Typhoon Krathon hits Taiwan

At least two individuals have lost their lives as Typhoon Krathon struck southwestern Taiwan, causing economic activities in the island to be halted for a second consecutive day.

The storm made landfall as a significantly weakened Category 1 typhoon around noon on Thursday, October 3, in the key port city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Residents received text alerts advising them to take shelter from winds exceeding 160 kilometres per hour approximately 100 miles per hour.

The port experienced record gusts surpassing 220 kilometres per hour approximately 137 miles per hour

Officials confirmed that two people have died as the typhoon unleashed heavy rains across Taiwan, particularly in the mountainous and less populated eastern regions.

One victim fell while cutting a tree, while the other was struck by a rock while in their vehicle.

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.”

The storm caused Taiwan’s financial markets, offices and schools to remain closed for a second consecutive day due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

According to the state-run utility Taipower, over 100,000 homes experienced power outages, with around half occurring in Kaohsiung.

All domestic flights were suspended for a second consecutive day, along with 242 international flights.

In a separate event, officials in Pingtung County, Taiwan, reported that nine people lost their lives in a hospital fire caused by an electrical issue.

Soldiers from a nearby base were deployed to assist medical staff and firefighters in evacuating patients and extinguishing the fire.

All domestic flights were canceled for a second consecutive day, along with 242 international flights.