Schools, restaurants, and shops shut down, and dozens of flights were cancelled as Taiwan braced for Super Typhoon Krathon’s arrival on its western coast.
The typhoon, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 198 kmph and gusts up to 245 kmph, is located 236 kilometres south-southeast of Kaohsiung, where it is expected to make landfall tomorrow.
The storm’s large radius of 220 kilometres means its outer rim has already affected Pingtung, Taitung, and Kaohsiung, with torrential rain and strong winds battering the coastline.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued warnings for extremely heavy rain, with up to 350 mm expected in mountainous areas.
Schools and offices are closed in six cities and counties, and 85 domestic flights, along with international routes, including to Hong Kong, were cancelled. Ferry services to outlying islands have also been halted.
The storm earlier hit the northernmost islands of the Philippines, prompting evacuations, school closures, and warnings of “potentially very destructive” rainfall.
Key Points
- Typhoon Krathon intensifies as it approaches southern Taiwan
- Typhoon Krathon lashes Philippines with ‘very destructive’ rainfall
- Typhoon Krathon set to make rare landfall on Taiwan's populated west coast
- Typhoon Krathon tracker: Path and forecast
- Hong Kong set to experience extreme heat amid Typhoon Krathon
Typhoon Krathon intensifies as it approaches southern Taiwan
05:17
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon has further intensified, reaching the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane as it slowly moves towards Taiwan's southwestern coast. The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 198 kmph and gusts up to 270 kmph.
This morning, Krathon was located approximately 236 kilometres south-southeast of Kaohsiung, moving north at a slow pace of 4 kmph.
Krathon is expected to make landfall in southwestern Taiwan tomorrow, with forecasts predicting that the storm could be just 60 kilometres south-southwest of Kaohsiung by 8am local time (midnight GMT).
The typhoon's outer bands have already started impacting southern Taiwan, with heavy rains and strong winds affecting Pingtung and Taitung counties and Kaohsiung City.
Sailors rescued amid rough seas and worsening weather
04:45
Stuti Mishra
Off the southeast coast, Taiwan's coast guard dispatched a boat to rescue 19 sailors from the cargo vessel Blue Lagoon who were forced to abandon ship as it took on water in its engine room, with a rescue helicopter having to turn back due to the wind and rain.
The coast guard said the crew consisted of seven Ukrainians, nine Egyptians and three Russians, which had set off from China's Caofeidian port for Singapore.
Taiwan mobilises 40,000 troops
04:30
Stuti Mishra
Taiwan mobilised nearly 40,000 troops today in preparation for search and rescue operations, with the powerful Typhoon Krathon approaching its populous southwest coast and expected to bring a storm surge.
Taiwan regularly gets hit by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific, but this one will make landfall on the island's flat western plain.
Krathon is forecast to hit the major port city of Kaohsiung on Wednesday morning, then work its way across the centre of Taiwan heading northeast and cross out into the East China Sea, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.
Kaohsiung, home to some 2.7 million people, declared a holiday and told people to stay at home as Krathon - labelled a super typhoon by the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Centre - approached.
Li Meng-hsiang, a forecaster for Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, said the storm has reached its maximum intensity and could weaken slightly as it moves closer to Taiwan, warning of gusts of more than 150 kmph (93 mph) for the southwest.
"The storm surge might bring tides inland," Mr Li said. "If it's raining heavily it will make it difficult to discharge waters and as a result coastal areas will be subject to flooding."
Taiwan's defence ministry said it had put more than 38,000 troops on standby, as Kaohsiung residents made their own preparations.
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
03:00
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Watch: Philippine Coast Guard tows stranded speedboat as Typhoon Krathon approaches the Philippines
02:00
Alexander Butler
Photos: Staff stock canned food at supermarkets in Taipei ahead of Typhoon Krathon
01:00
Alexander Butler
Philippines: People wade through flooded streets
Monday 30 September 2024 23:00
Alexander Butler
Mapped: Typhoon Krathon heads to Taiwan after lashing Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 22:00
Alexander Butler
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 20:30
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Map: Typhoon Krathon continues to intensify as it moves closer to Taiwan
Monday 30 September 2024 19:30
Alexander Butler
Typhoon Krathon is continuing to intensify as it churns towars Taiwan.
The storm is currently located approximately 260 kilometres southeast of Taiwan’s southernmost point, Cape Eluanbi.
It is slowly moving west-northwest at 5 kmph, with maximum sustained winds of 213 kmph and gusts up to 260 kmph, making it close to a Category 4 hurricane.
Krathon’s approach is causing heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions across Taiwan’s eastern and southern regions.
Hong Kong set to experience extreme heat amid Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 18:30
Alexander Butler
Hong Kong is set to experience scorching temperatures today and tomorrow as Typhoon Krathon approaches southern Taiwan.
Though the storm is not expected to directly affect Hong Kong, the city will feel the heat due to the typhoon’s outer subsiding air, causing temperatures to soar across southern China, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
Despite Krathon remaining over 500 kilometres from Hong Kong, residents were advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat on these very hot days.
Forecast animation shows path of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 17:30
Alexander Butler
A forecast animation from Zoom Earth, a privately-run weather tracker, shows Typhoon Krathon’s projected path as it heads toward southern Taiwan.
The animation shows the typhoon’s intense wind gusts and possible landfall near Kaohsiung, with winds expected to exceed 200 kmph.
However, the storm’s interaction with Taiwan’s mountainous terrain could lead to unpredictable changes in its direction, making the exact landfall location difficult to forecast.
A very powerful typhoon could strike southern #Taiwan on Wednesday, bringing winds over 200 km/h and extreme rainfall ⚠️
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 30, 2024
Typhoon #Krathon’s exact landfall location will be difficult to forecast.
As the typhoon interacts with the high mountains of Taiwan, its motion could become… pic.twitter.com/gUoBdboGxZ
Intensifying Typhoon Krathon forecast to hit Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 16:30
Alexander Butler
Taiwan issued a land warning on Monday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon which is expected to intensify and cross the island’s densely populated west coast bringing torrential rain and strong winds.
Taiwan regularly gets hit by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.
Krathon, categorised as a medium strength typhoon, is forecast to hit the major port city of Kaohsiung early on Wednesday, then work its way across the bottom tip of Taiwan and cross out into the Pacific, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.
The typhoon is expected to further intensify into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, packing powerful winds of more than 220 kmh (125 mph) near its centre, according to Tropical Storm Risk.
“The impact is getting bigger and bigger,” said Gene Huang, forecaster at the CWA, pointing to threats to Taiwan’s southwest and adding it was “rare” for such a powerful typhoon to make a direct hit to the island’s western plains.
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 16:00
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Typhoon Krathon: Eastern Taiwan sees heavy rain and landslides
Monday 30 September 2024 15:30
Alexander Butler
As Typhoon Krathon inches closer to Taiwan, eastern regions have already begun to experience its impact.
From last night, heavy rainfall has been battering the area, causing landslides along Provincial Highway No 9, disrupting traffic between Su’ao in Yilan County and Chongde in Hualien, Focus Taiwan reported.
Several vehicles were trapped near Huide Tunnel, though no injuries were reported.
All stranded individuals were successfully rescued, and the blocked sections of the highway were closed as a precaution.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued heavy rain alerts for Taiwan’s eastern counties, with rainfall expected to exceed 80 mm within 24 hours.
Taiwan’s national parks, beaches, and ferry services have also been suspended as safety measures. Transportation between Hualien and Taitung, along with sections of the South Link Line, has been halted due to the storm’s progression.
Krathon is expected to make landfall on Taiwan’s southern coast tomorrow, with strong winds and torrential rain likely to affect the island through Thursday.
Mapped: Typhoon Krathon heads to Taiwan after lashing Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 15:00
Alexander Butler
Powerful Typhoon Krathon forecast to hit Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 14:31
Alexander Butler
Taiwan issued a warning on Monday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon, which has strengthened into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane and is expected to cross the densely populated west coast bringing torrential rain and strong winds.
Taiwan regularly gets hit by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.
Krathon is forecast to hit the major port city of Kaohsiung early on Wednesday afternoon, then work its way across the centre of Taiwan heading northeast and cross out into the East China Sea, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.
Mapped: Typhoon Krathon heads to Taiwan after lashing Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 14:00
Stuti Mishra
See the forecast, warnings and path of Typhoon Krathon for the next two days:
Map: Typhoon Krathon continues to intensify as it moves closer to Taiwan
Monday 30 September 2024 13:30
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon is continuing to intensify as it churns towars Taiwan.
The storm is currently located approximately 260 kilometres southeast of Taiwan’s southernmost point, Cape Eluanbi.
It is slowly moving west-northwest at 5 kmph, with maximum sustained winds of 213 kmph and gusts up to 260 kmph, making it close to a Category 4 hurricane.
Krathon’s approach is causing heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions across Taiwan's eastern and southern regions.
Typhoon Krathon: Eastern Taiwan sees heavy rain and landslides
Monday 30 September 2024 13:00
Stuti Mishra
As Typhoon Krathon inches closer to Taiwan, eastern regions have already begun to experience its impact.
From last night, heavy rainfall has been battering the area, causing landslides along Provincial Highway No 9, disrupting traffic between Su'ao in Yilan County and Chongde in Hualien, Focus Taiwan reported.
Several vehicles were trapped near Huide Tunnel, though no injuries were reported.
All stranded individuals were successfully rescued, and the blocked sections of the highway were closed as a precaution.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued heavy rain alerts for Taiwan’s eastern counties, with rainfall expected to exceed 80 mm within 24 hours.
Taiwan’s national parks, beaches, and ferry services have also been suspended as safety measures. Transportation between Hualien and Taitung, along with sections of the South Link Line, has been halted due to the storm's progression.
Krathon is expected to make landfall on Taiwan's southern coast tomorrow, with strong winds and torrential rain likely to affect the island through Thursday.
Philippines: People wade through flooded streets
Monday 30 September 2024 12:30
Stuti Mishra
Photos: Staff stock canned food at supermarkets in Taipei ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 12:00
Stuti Mishra
Over 500 people evacuated from Kaohsiung ahead of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 11:30
Stuti Mishra
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, 521 people have been evacuated from the mountainous regions of Kaohsiung today in anticipation of severe weather.
Local authorities issued landslide warnings for the districts of Taoyuan, Maolin, Namasia, and Liugui, prompting evacuations.
Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected disaster preparedness measures, including flood control systems and the city’s 91 pumping stations, Taiwan News reported.
Kaohsiung is bracing for heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 800 mm in the mountainous areas.
Schools were moved online and 23,000 sandbags have been distributed across the city to help residents prepare for flooding.
Forecast animation shows path of Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 11:06
Stuti Mishra
A forecast animation from Zoom Earth, a privately-run weather tracker, shows Typhoon Krathon’s projected path as it heads toward southern Taiwan.
The animation shows the typhoon's intense wind gusts and possible landfall near Kaohsiung, with winds expected to exceed 200 kmph.
However, the storm's interaction with Taiwan's mountainous terrain could lead to unpredictable changes in its direction, making the exact landfall location difficult to forecast.
A very powerful typhoon could strike southern #Taiwan on Wednesday, bringing winds over 200 km/h and extreme rainfall ⚠️
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 30, 2024
Typhoon #Krathon’s exact landfall location will be difficult to forecast.
As the typhoon interacts with the high mountains of Taiwan, its motion could become… pic.twitter.com/gUoBdboGxZ
Satellite image shows Typhoon Krathon's intensity
Monday 30 September 2024 10:40
Stuti Mishra
A satellite image taken from Japan's Himawari-9 a while back shows Typhoon Krathon swirling over the Luzon Strait, between the Philippines and Taiwan.
The well-defined eye and dense cloud bands show that Krathon has grown in strength, as it moves northwest toward Taiwan.
The typhoon's spiral structure is clear, with intense thunderstorms surrounding the eye, a hallmark of a strong storm.
Video: Philippine Coast Guard tows stranded speedboat amid Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 10:20
Stuti Mishra
Travel disruptions and closures due to Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 10:00
Stuti Mishra
Coastal and national park areas have been closed in Taiwan as a precaution, and ferry services have been suspended across several regions.
The rail line connecting southern Taiwan to the east coast was halted on Monday afternoon due to the storm, though the north-south high-speed railway continues to operate as normal.
Despite the disruptions, international flights from Taipei have not yet been affected, according to the transport ministry.
Typhoon Krathon forecast: Storm to hit Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 09:40
Stuti Mishra
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued a warning for the western and southern regions of the country as Typhoon Krathon approaches.
Extremely heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours, is expected in areas such as Hualien, Taitung, Orchid Island, and Green Island.
Heavy rain warnings have also been extended to other areas, including Yilan County and mountainous regions of Taipei, New Taipei, and the port city of Kaohsiung.
Authorities have deployed thousands of soldiers and rubber boats to southern and eastern Taiwan, anticipating potential flooding and landslides.
Hong Kong set to experience extreme heat amid Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 09:20
Stuti Mishra
Hong Kong is set to experience scorching temperatures today and tomorrow as Typhoon Krathon approaches southern Taiwan.
Though the storm is not expected to directly affect Hong Kong, the city will feel the heat due to the typhoon's outer subsiding air, causing temperatures to soar across southern China, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
Despite Krathon remaining over 500 kilometres from Hong Kong, residents were advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat on these very hot days.
Video: Rain and winds pick up in Taipei
Monday 30 September 2024 09:00
Stuti Mishra
Rain and winds are starting to pickup in taipei it's empty streets. Already warning issued for super Typhoon krathon landing by central weather administration , schools and flights canceled. pic.twitter.com/9zmJVPNFiL
— Tashi (@hopefulhumanist) September 30, 2024
Photos: Taiwan braces for Typhoon Krathon
Monday 30 September 2024 08:45
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon tracker: Path and forecast
Monday 30 September 2024 08:23
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon is currently tracking west-northwest toward Taiwan after impacting the northern Philippines.
Krathon is classified as a "very strong" typhoon, with maximum sustained winds near the centre reaching 185 kmph and gusts of up to 260 kmph, according to the latest updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA).
Currently located approximately 430 kilometres southeast of Taiwan's southernmost point, Oluanpi, the typhoon is moving west-northwest at a slow speed of around 10 kmph.
Krathon is expected to continue moving westward before turning slightly northwest and making landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwan, by late night tomorrow or early morning on Wednesday. Winds are expected to reach up to 185 kmph (115 mph) near the centre, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Following landfall, Krathon is forecast to move across southern Taiwan, bringing heavy rainfall, intense winds, and a high risk of flooding.
Typhoon Krathon set to make rare landfall on Taiwan's populated west coast
Monday 30 September 2024 08:16
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon, a powerful storm that has already lashed the northern Philippines, is now heading toward Taiwan, bringing the potential for destructive winds, torrential rains, and severe flooding.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has classified Krathon as a “very strong” typhoon with sustained winds of 95 knots (109 mph) and gusts of up to 135 knots (155 mph).
It is expected to strengthen further as it approaches Taiwan’s heavily populated western coast tomorrow.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued land and sea warnings as the typhoon draws closer.
The storm is forecast to make landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s major southern port city, late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
“The impact is getting bigger and bigger,” said Gene Huang, forecaster at the CWA, pointing to threats to Taiwan’s southwest and adding it was “rare” for such a powerful typhoon to make a direct hit on the island’s western plains.
Typhoon Krathon lashes Philippines
Monday 30 September 2024 08:00
Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Krathon, locally known as Typhoon Julian, has battered the northernmost islands of the Philippines, prompting widespread evacuations and warnings of potential devastation to coastal communities.
The powerful storm, with sustained winds of up to 109 mph and gusts reaching 133 mph, was last located near Balintang Island, off the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes, according to the Philippine weather bureau PAGASA.
The slow-moving typhoon is expected to strengthen further, potentially reaching super typhoon status as it turns northeast towards Taiwan tomorrow.
Although no casualties or significant damage have been reported so far, officials remain on high alert as the storm poses a significant threat to lives and infrastructure.
Hundreds of villagers were evacuated, schools were shut down shut down schools and inter-island ferries were closed.
PAGASA has issued warnings of a “moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges” along the coastal areas of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Cagayan province.
“The situation is potentially very destructive to the community,” it said.
Monday 30 September 2024 07:48
Stuti Mishra
Welcome to The Independent’s liveblog on Typhoon Krathon. Follow for the latest updates from the Philippines and Tawain.
