Taiwan warns of storm surge from powerful Typhoon Krathon, mobilises troops and shuts schools

People buying food at a Taipei supermarket ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon on Sept 30. - PHOTO: REUTERS

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters): Taiwan mobilised nearly 40,000 troops on Tuesday to be on standby for rescue efforts as powerful Typhoon Krathon approached its populous southwest coast, which is bracing for a storm surge.

As the typhoon approached, helicopters lifted to safety 19 sailors forced to abandon ship when it took on water.