Taiwan is preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Krathon

Krathon, with wind speeds of 173 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 209 kilometers per hour, was located 140 kilometers southwest of the southern city of Kaohsiung at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. Belgian time), according to the meteorological service. Over the course of the night, it was downgraded from the third and highest category to the second.

It was initially said that the storm would make landfall on Wednesday, but meteorologists have adjusted that forecast. The typhoon is moving very slowly.

Evacuations, flights canceled and 40,000 soldiers

Nearly 10,000 people have been evacuated as a precaution from areas considered high-risk, the Interior Ministry said. Across Taiwan, authorities counted 46 injuries as a result of the typhoon. One person was reported missing in Yunlin district, authorities said.

President Lai Ching-te warned on Tuesday that the typhoon could cause “catastrophic damage” and urged the population to be “particularly vigilant”. All domestic flights and ferries were canceled on Wednesday and 250 international flights were suspended. According to the Ministry of Defense, almost 40,000 soldiers are ready to participate in rescue operations.