Southern Taiwan is working to recover from the damage caused by Typhoon Krathon, which hit the major metropolis of Kaohsiung. The rest of the island has resumed work and financial markets have reopened. Although Krathon has been downgraded to a tropical depression, it still caused significant flooding and high winds in Kaohsiung. Local governments in Kaohsiung and Pingtung county have declared an additional day off work to clean up debris and remove floodwaters. Workers are using cranes to clear downed trees and traffic signs, while some roads remain blocked.
Residents in Kaohsiung experienced record-breaking winds that blew out windows and sent debris flying. Despite efforts to use sandbags for protection, the wind forced water into buildings. Mayor Chen Chi-mai reported that parts of the city received more rain than during the previous storm in July.
Power remains out for 100,000 households in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, while transportation services continue to be disrupted. The death toll remains at two with one person missing and 667 injuries reported so far. The north-south high-speed rail line has reopened along with most ordinary rail routes.
At Kaohsiung port, workers are clearing freight containers that were blown off their stacks to ensure operations can continue unaffected. Damage was also reported at Kaohsiung airport where two air bridges were affected, as well as Orchid Island airport where landing aids were washed away.
The government is investigating a fire at a hospital in Pingtung that broke out during the typhoon’s approach, resulting in nine fatalities.
Southern Taiwan is focused on recovery efforts following Typhoon Krathon’s impact on infrastructure and daily life in the region.
