Typhoon Krathon Causes Major Agricultural Losses in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Typhoon Krathon has led to significant agricultural damage, with losses amounting to NT$387 million (USD 12 million) as of Sunday. The Central Emergency Operation Center reported that Pingtung County suffered the most, accounting for 62% of the losses, while Kaohsiung City accounted for 23%. Key crops like bananas, guavas, jujubes, papayas, lotus roots, and wax apples were severely affected.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs noted that flooding has subsided in 604 areas, and power outages initially impacted 435,634 households. Electricity has been restored to nearly all, with only 1,106 households in Kaohsiung still without power. Water supply disruptions affected 608,073 households, but services have been fully restored.
Regarding infrastructure, a mudslide partially blocked Provincial Highway 2A in New Taipei’s Jinshan District, with roadwork expected to finish by Monday morning. The Ministry of National Defense deployed 1,487 troops and 148 vehicles to assist in road clearance in affected areas, including New Taipei, Keelung, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare reported that 256 people are currently in temporary shelters across Keelung, Taitung, and Pingtung, displaced by the storm. Typhoon Krathon hit Taiwan’s major port city of Kaohsiung on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the southern regions.
Doubts Revealed
Typhoon -: A typhoon is a very strong storm with heavy rain and strong winds. It is similar to a cyclone or hurricane and can cause a lot of damage.
Krathon -: Krathon is the name given to this particular typhoon. Just like people have names, big storms are also given names to identify them.
NT$ -: NT$ stands for New Taiwan Dollar, which is the money used in Taiwan, just like we use Indian Rupees in India.
Pingtung County -: Pingtung County is a region in Taiwan, similar to how we have states or districts in India.
Kaohsiung City -: Kaohsiung City is a large city in Taiwan, much like Mumbai or Delhi in India.
Bananas and guavas -: Bananas and guavas are types of fruits. They are grown on farms and are popular in many countries, including India.
Flooding -: Flooding happens when there is too much water, usually from heavy rain, and it covers the land, causing problems for people and animals.
Electricity -: Electricity is the power that makes lights, fans, and other devices work. When there is no electricity, these things cannot be used.
Temporary shelters -: Temporary shelters are places where people can stay for a short time if their homes are damaged or unsafe, like tents or community centers.