What is Super Typhoon Krathon? Category 4 Hurricane to Hit Taiwan’s Populated West Coast

Taiwan is an island country located in East Asia. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) from the southeastern coast of mainland China and across the Taiwan Strait.

The country is bounded by the East China Sea to the north, the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the south, and the Taiwan Strait to the west.

You are watching: What is Super Typhoon Krathon? Category 4 Hurricane to Hit Taiwan’s Populated West Coast

As an island country, Taiwan is prone to typhoons, earthquakes and other natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

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Taiwan on Monday issued a land warning ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Craton, which is expected to intensify and sweep across its densely populated west coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

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What is Typhoon Craton?

Typhoon cratons are very strong tropical cyclones that recently formed in the South China Sea. It is currently affecting the Philippines and is expected to make landfall in Taiwan.

status quo

• Impact on the Philippines: Krathon has hit the northern Philippines islands, causing evacuations and severe weather damage17.
• Taiwan Forecast: The typhoon is expected to hit Taiwan’s densely populated west coast early Wednesday, especially the main port city of Kaohsiung. It could bring heavy rain and strong winds, with speeds near its center possibly exceeding 220 km/h (125 mph).

Characteristics of Typhoon Craton

• Classification: Krathon is classified as a moderate typhoon, but it is expected to intensify further, potentially reaching Category 4 hurricane strength.
• Weather conditions: Residents in affected areas are warned to prepare for extreme weather conditions, including winds exceeding 150 km/h (93 mph) and heavy rainfall that may cause flooding14.

Preparatory measures

Taiwan has taken precautionary measures, putting more than 2,200 troops on standby and canceling ship services to nearby islands. Some domestic flights are also being disrupted due to the approaching storm.

How does Typhoon Craton compare to other typhoons that have hit Taiwan?

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Typhoon Craton was notable for its intensity and path, making it a major event in Taiwan’s typhoon history. Here’s how it compares to other famous typhoons that affected the island.

Strength and Classification

Krathon’s intensity: Currently classified as a Category 4 typhoon, Krathon has sustained winds of up to 220 km/h (125 mph) and gusts of up to 270 km/h (168 mph). This intensity level is comparable to some of the strongest typhoons recorded in the region.

Historical comparison:

• Typhoon Selma (1977): This typhoon was also extremely powerful and caused significant damage and casualties. The mayor of Kaohsiung noted that Krathon was “no less powerful than Selma,” which killed 37 people and left the city without water and power for days.
• Typhoon Morakot (2009): Known for causing catastrophic flooding, Typhoon Morakot brought heavy rainfall that led to landslides, especially in mountainous areas. While the Morakot disaster had a devastating impact, the direct impact of Loy Krathong on Taiwan’s densely populated western plains is considered more unusual and potentially more damaging due to a combination of strong winds and storm surges.

Login path

• Krait’s unique path: Unlike most typhoons that usually hit Taiwan’s east coast, Krait will make landfall on the western plains, particularly affecting major urban areas like Kaohsiung. This is important because these areas are less accustomed to being hit directly by severe storms.
• Comparison with other typhoons: Most typhoons that affect Taiwan are concentrated in the eastern coastal area, which is more mountainous and sparsely populated. For example, Typhoon Haiyan (2013) mainly affected the eastern region before moving on. Krazon’s trajectory poses a greater risk to densely populated areas, increasing the potential for severe damage and loss of life.

Typhoon Craton is approaching. What preventive measures should Taiwanese residents take?

As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, residents and authorities are taking a series of precautionary measures to ensure safety and minimize damage. The following are the main measures being taken:

Evacuation and safety measures

• Evacuations: More than 7,700 residents have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, especially southern Taiwan where the typhoon is expected to make landfall.
• Emergency Services: Nearly 40,000 troops have been mobilized to participate in rescue operations and assist in disaster management efforts across the island.

Schools and businesses closed

• School closures: Schools in southern and eastern Taiwan have been closed and some classes have been moved online to ensure student safety.
• Business closures: Many shops, restaurants and offices are closed as a precaution. In Kaohsiung, for example, the streets were mostly deserted as businesses prepared for the storm.

Prepare at home

• Flood prevention: Residents in disaster-stricken areas, especially Kaohsiung, are filling sandbags and erecting barriers around their homes to prevent flooding. About 23,000 sandbags were distributed across the city.
• Keep your property safe: People are taking steps to keep their property safe, such as taping up windows and making sure outdoor items are stored securely to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds.

traffic adjustment

• Flight cancellations: Dozens of domestic and international flights have been canceled in anticipation of the storm’s impact. The Ministry of Transport also stopped boat services to outlying islands.
• Rail services: Some rail lines have been closed due to expected severe weather conditions, while others are operating with enhanced safety inspections.

community readiness

• Public awareness campaign: Authorities are issuing warnings about potential storm surges and heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to stay indoors and limit travel during the storm.
• Emergency supplies: Many residents are stocking up on essentials, including food, water and emergency kits filled with torches and first-aid items.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion