Taiwan shuts down for Typhoon Krathon, torrential rain forecast

Waves splash as Typhoon Krathon approaches, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan October 1, 2024. REUTERS/Ann Wang

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) -Taiwan shut down on Wednesday, grounding hundreds of flights and closing schools, offices and financial markets ahead of the arrival of a weakening Typhoon Krathon, forecast to lash the coast with storm surges and torrential rain.

Officials in the key port city of Kaohsiung, set to be in the eye of the storm, told people to stay home and avoid the sea, rivers and mountains, warning of a repeat of 1977's Typhoon Thelma that killed 37 and devastated the city of 2.7 million.