KAOHSIUNG — On Tuesday (Oct 1), Taiwan mobilized nearly 40,000 troops to enhance rescue operations as the powerful Typhoon Krathon neared its densely populated southwest coast, bringing concerns of storm surges. The coast guard is also racing to find 19 sailors who abandoned their vessel.

While Taiwan frequently experiences typhoons, they typically hit the mountainous and less populated east coast facing the Pacific. In contrast, Krathon is set to land on the island's flat western plains.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) forecasts that Krathon will strike the major port city of Kaohsiung early Wednesday afternoon before moving northeast across Taiwan and exiting into the East China Sea.

Kaohsiung, home to approximately 2.7 million residents, declared a holiday and advised people to stay indoors as the storm—classified as a super typhoon by the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center—approaches.

Li Meng-hsiang, a CWA forecaster, stated that the storm has reached its peak intensity and may weaken slightly as it nears Taiwan, but warned of gusts exceeding 150 kph (93 mph) in the southwest.

"The storm surge could push tides inland," Li cautioned. "Heavy rain will complicate drainage, potentially causing coastal flooding."

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, following a disaster management meeting, compared the storm's strength and trajectory to that of Typhoon Thelma in 1977, which resulted in 37 fatalities and significant destruction in the city.

"After the typhoon, the entire Kaohsiung was without water and power, resembling a war zone," Chen recalled the devastation from decades ago. "As much as possible, limit outdoor activities."

Taiwan's defense ministry reported that over 38,000 troops are on standby as residents in Kaohsiung make their own preparations.

"It's going to hit us directly. We need to be fully prepared," said fisherman Chen Ming-huang while securing his boat in the harbor. "In the worst-case scenario, the ropes could break, and my boat could drift away."

A person captures photos of waves as Typhoon Krathon approaches Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on Oct 1, 2024. **PHOTO: Reuters**

TSMC, the world's largest contract chip manufacturer and a key supplier to Apple and Nvidia, has implemented routine typhoon preparations at its large factory in nearby Tainan and does not anticipate significant operational impacts.

**Search for Sailors**

Near the southeast coast, Taiwan's coast guard sent a boat to rescue 19 sailors from the cargo ship Blue Lagoon, which had to be abandoned as it flooded in the engine room. A rescue helicopter was forced to turn back due to strong winds and rain.

The crew comprised seven Ukrainians, nine Egyptians, and three Russians, who had departed from Caofeidian port in China en route to Singapore.

The transport ministry announced the cancellation of 85 domestic flights and nine international flights for Wednesday, along with halting boats to outlying islands.

The rail link connecting southern and eastern Taiwan was closed, but the north-south high-speed line continued operations, albeit with increased safety checks for wind and debris.

In Kaohsiung, most shops and restaurants secured their doors and shutters, while traditional wet markets closed, leaving the streets largely deserted.

At a building in the Siaogang district, where the city’s airport is located, residents practiced quickly setting up metal barriers to prevent flooding in the underground parking lot.

"We will have only a few minutes to react if flooding occurs," said Chiu Yun-ping, deputy head of the building’s residents’ committee.

Chen Mei-ling, a resident near the harbor, shared her past experiences with high tides reaching just meters from her front door and discussed her preparations.

"We have torches and emergency food supplies," Chen stated. "This is a strong typhoon, and we are concerned."

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters