Typhoon Khanun brought significant disruptions to northern Taiwan as businesses and schools were forced to close, and numerous flights were cancelled due to the approaching storm. The slow-moving typhoon, categorized as the second-strongest level by Taiwan’s weather bureau, posed a threat of floods and high winds.
With maximum winds reaching 198 kph (123 mph), Typhoon Khanun gradually approached Taiwan’s northeastern coast, and its eye was located 340 km off Taipei in the East China Sea by 1:15 p.m. Taipei time (0515 GMT). The storm was moving at around 3 kph in a westerly direction.
Northern cities, including the capital Taipei, took precautions by shutting down businesses and schools. Taiwan’s stock and foreign exchange markets remained closed as well.
Due to the typhoon’s impact, more than 110 international and domestic flights were cancelled, and all domestic ferry services were suspended.
Rain and strong winds caused damage in Taipei, with fallen street signs and trees, reduced subway services, and the suspension of food delivery services. Disaster response teams comprising hundreds of soldiers were on standby in nearby cities.
Although the storm disrupted power supply to over 16,000 households across Taiwan, most of them had their power restored promptly.
Typhoon Khanun also affected Japan’s Okinawa, a popular tourist destination, where it resulted in two fatalities, injured at least 62 people, and left over 200,000 households without power over the past two days.
It’s worth noting that Typhoon Khanun arrived just a week after Typhoon Doksuri brought heavy rains and strong winds to the south of Taiwan.
