Taiwan closes schools and evacuates thousands as super typhoon Krathon nears landfall

Taiwan has closed schools and evacuated over 7,700 people in the south as Super Typhoon Krathon approaches. The typhoon, with winds of 198 km/h, is expected to make landfall near Kaohsiung on Wednesday. President Lai Ching-te warned of potential catastrophic damage. Nearly 40,000 troops are on standby for relief efforts, and many flights have been canceled. Residents are preparing by filling sandbags and securing their homes. Krathon has already impacted the Philippines, causing power outages and damage. In Taiwan, a ship off Taitung is in distress, with 19 crew members awaiting rescue.