Title: Typhoon Khanun Approaches Taiwan with Devastating Force, Disrupting Daily Life
Northern Taiwan was forced to shut down businesses and schools as Typhoon Khanun, the second-strongest typhoon level according to Taiwan’s weather bureau, approached the island’s northeast. With maximum winds reaching 198 kph (123 mph), the typhoon posed a serious threat of floods and high winds.
At the time of writing, the eye of the typhoon was reported to be approximately 340 km off Taipei, moving westward at a speed of 3 kph. The storm was expected to pass the northern coast of Taiwan, bringing heavy rainfall to mountainous areas, before turning northeast on Friday.
In response to the threat, northern cities, including Taipei, closed businesses and schools. The stock and foreign exchange markets also remained closed, as more than 110 international and domestic flights had to be cancelled. Additionally, all domestic ferry lines were suspended as a precautionary measure.
The impact of Typhoon Khanun was already evident in Taipei, where the storm caused significant damage. Street signs and trees were brought down, subway services were disrupted, and even food delivery services had to be suspended. Soldiers in nearby cities were put on standby to provide assistance in case of emergencies.
Furthermore, over 16,000 households experienced power outages as a result of the typhoon. However, the majority of these households had their power restored in a timely manner, thanks to the efforts of local authorities.
Meanwhile, Okinawa, Japan, also felt the effects of Typhoon Khanun. Two deaths, over 60 injuries, and power outages for more than 200,000 households were reported in the region.
The arrival of Typhoon Khanun came just a week after the southern region of Taiwan was impacted by Typhoon Doksuri. This back-to-back onslaught of typhoons has raised concerns about the safety and resilience of the island’s infrastructure during extreme weather events.
As the storm inches closer to Taiwan, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and take necessary precautions. The potential for further damage and disruption caused by Typhoon Khanun remains a priority, and disaster response teams are on high alert to handle any emergencies that may arise.
Source: Reuters
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