Typhoon Krathon slammed into Taiwan's major southern port city of Kaohsiung on Thursday, unleashing torrential rains and powerful winds, particularly affecting the southern and southeastern parts of the island. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that the typhoon made landfall in Kaohsiung's industrial Siaogang District around 12:40 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 126 kph (78 mph) and gusts reaching 162 kph (101 mph).

Authorities have warned that Krathon will move slowly northwards, likely weakening into a tropical depression by Friday before approaching Taipei. However, the slow pace of the storm—traveling at just 4 kph (2.5 mph)—has already caused significant flooding and disruption.

Kaohsiung residents were advised to take immediate shelter as dangerous winds battered the region. The typhoon’s impact over the past five days has forced thousands of people to evacuate from mountainous and low-lying areas, fearing mudslides and landslides. The storm shut down schools, government offices, and all domestic flights for two days. The streets of Kaohsiung and other affected cities were eerily empty, as heavy rains and fierce gusts of wind continued. Many residents received emergency alerts on their phones early Thursday, urging them to remain indoors. Authorities stressed that residents should not venture outside during the calm period when the storm’s eye passes, as severe winds and rain would return soon after.

So far, Krathon has injured at least 123 people across Taiwan, according to Taiwan's fire department. Two fatalities have been reported—one involving a driver struck by fallen rocks in Taitung County, and another in Hualien, where a person was trimming tree branches. Two people remain missing.

In a separate incident, a fire broke out early Thursday at a hospital in Pingtung County, killing at least eight people. The fire was linked to smoke inhalation, though it is unclear if the blaze was directly related to the typhoon. An investigation is ongoing.

With nearly 40,000 troops on standby for rescue operations, Taiwan’s government is closely monitoring the evolving situation. The island’s southern mountainous regions have recorded an astonishing 169 centimeters (5.5 feet) of rain over the last five days, prompting evacuations from vulnerable areas. China’s weather agency has also forecasted additional rain, with some parts of Taiwan expected to receive up to 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) of rainfall in the next 24 hours.

While Taiwan's east coast typically bears the brunt of typhoons, Krathon has defied norms by heavily affecting the island's west coast. Kaohsiung officials recalled the devastation caused by Typhoon Thelma in 1977, which killed 37 people and caused extensive damage to the city.

Before reaching Taiwan, Typhoon Krathon had already struck the northern Philippine islands earlier in the week, leaving four people dead and displacing more than 5,000 people. As Taiwan continues to grapple with the impact of the storm, authorities are urging citizens to stay alert and heed safety warnings until Krathon fully dissipates.