MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A powerful typhoon is relentlessly battering the northernmost islands of the Philippines, forcing local officials to take swift action including evacuations, school closures, and halting inter-island ferry services. Typhoon Krathon, also known locally as "Typhoon Julian," has been tracked over the coastal waters of Balintang island, impacting provinces such as Cagayan and Batanes with sustained winds recorded at up to 175 kilometers per hour (109 mph) and gusts reaching 215 kph (133 mph), as reported by government forecasters.
The slow-moving storm is currently heading westward but is expected to shift its path northeastward toward Taiwan. Authorities warned it could strengthen to the status of a super typhoon by then.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Still, residents are feeling the brunt of the wild weather. Guilmar Cabejo, a police officer stationed on Sabtang island, described the eerie scene of deserted streets where winds strong enough to rattle roofs, walls, and even the surrounding vegetation render anyone vulnerable to the elements. “There’s nobody outside, zero, because the wind is so strong,” Cabejo remarked during a phone call with The Associated Press, adding, “Nobody could stand normally outside in this wind; it will force anybody down to the ground.”
Residents have shown notable resilience and preparedness against these seasonal storms. Prior to the typhoon’s anticipated arrival, many secured their homes by reinforcing roofs with ropes, boarding windows with wooden panels, and securing fishing boats to prevent damage. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration has identified the surf conditions and wind patterns as posing moderate to high risks of life-threatening storm surges over the next 48 hours. Coastal communities across Batanes, the nearby Babuyan islands, and Cagayan Province have been advised to brace for high waves and potential flooding.
The situation is described as “potentially very destructive to the community,” stressing the severity of the storm. Hundreds of residents are being evacuated to safer locations away from flood-prone areas, particularly along the coast, where power outages have already been reported. Classes across all educational levels have been suspended as precautionary measures.
Despite the destruction wrought by storms like Typhoon Krathon, the Philippines regularly faces similar trials each year. The archipelago observes about twenty storms and typhoons annually and lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire—a region highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, positioning the nation as one of the most disaster-prone across the globe. The memories of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest tropical cyclones recorded, still linger as it resulted in over 7,300 people becoming dead or missing back in 2013, leaving over 5 million people displaced across central area.
While the Philippines is currently weathering Krathon’s might, the storm is anticipated to compound its efforts as it continues its northern track toward Taiwan, posing additional challenges to communities already well-acquainted with severe rainfall and flooding.
Meanwhile, on Taiwan’s coast, preparations are ramping up as officials anticipate the storm’s landing. Workers were seen tying down boats and securing them tightly at harbors such as Keelung, bracing for potential adverse effects. Authorities on the island have started issuing alerts and preparing emergency services should the storm escalate.
Local shops and businesses are reminded to stock provisions as power outages and disruptions often accompany typhoons. The severity of Krathon’s winds and the anticipated rainfall could lead to mudslides and urban flooding, causing significant disruptions throughout Taiwan.
Recent forecasts suggest the storm could have cascading impacts, as floods and storm surges threaten coastal areas, leading to potential infrastructure damage and making its way inland. Residents on the island are to heed instructions from local officials to stay safe and remain vigilant as the typhoon nears.
Pending its landfall, weather reports around the region remain closely monitored, as both nations swing gears to confront the potential aftermath of Krathon as it heads northeastward, bringing with it the mixture of dangers from furious winds to fresh water rising from relentless rains.
The dual threat posed by Typhoon Krathon emphasizes the need for communities to be prepared for unpredictability when it arrives to bringing the current developments both to the Philippines and Taiwan, demonstrating the interconnectedness of storm systems across regions and their influences.
With these patterns, it becomes increasingly important for neighboring countries to collaborate on disaster response strategies, sharing intelligence on meteorological shifts, and ensuring the safety of their residents.
