Trees blow in the wind as Typhoon Krathon approaches in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on Oct 2, 2024. - Reuters
TAIPEI: Taiwan on Wednesday (Oct 2) reported two fatalities and multiple injuries attributed to the approach of Typhoon Krathon, which has been gradually weakening and is expected to make landfall in southern Taiwan early Thursday.
The Central Emergency Operation Centre (CEOC) on Wednesday reported the first two deaths linked to the typhoon.
A 70-year-old man fell from a height of three metres while trimming trees in Hualien County in the east of the island on Tuesday before the typhoon arrived. He passed away in hospital on Wednesday, officials said.
In Taitung in the south-east, a 66-year-old man died on Wednesday after his car collided with falling rocks by the roadside on Monday.
Additionally, two people have been reported missing: One was last seen on a bridge in Hualien County, and the other in a coastal area in Yunlin County in the west of the island.
Across the island, 102 people were injured due to typhoon-related incidents such as fallen trees and road damage, according to the CEOC.
Officials said that Krathon remained slow-moving, meaning its impact on local weather was expected to last until late Thursday.
Residents were advised to stay away from coastal areas, with wave heights in Kaohsiung and Pingtung counties in southern Taiwan predicted to reach 8-10 metres.
The Central Weather Administration on Wednesday also issued alerts for strong winds and heavy rainfall. It is estimated that some mountainous areas may receive a five-day accumulated rainfall of over 1,000mm by Thursday.
Coastal areas in south-western Taiwan should be wary of seawater inundation, it added.
On Wednesday, all offices and schools across Taiwan were closed. In 11 cities and counties in central and southern Taiwan, around 9,240 residents from high-risk areas were evacuated, according to the CEOC.
Krathon's approach has led to the partial suspension of rail services, as well as sea and air transportation. - dpa
