As Taiwan braces for the impact of Typhoon Krathon, similarities in the trajectory of the incoming typhoon to that of Typhoon Thelma are very noticeable, causing worry and anxiety among southern residents of Taiwan.
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In 1977, over 80% of all trees on the streets of Kaohsiung City were blown down and electricity, telecommunications, and running water took over 3 days before they were restored.
A resident recalls that he was in junior high then and students were told to go home because of the strong wind and rain. He remembered even the ceilings were being blown off - it was that dangerous and he couldn’t even walk with his bike.
That was the devastation Typhoon Thelma brought to the South of Taiwan, snapping electrical towers by the port which blocked large ships from entering.
Packing winds that measured 16 on the Beaufort scale, Thelma caused 37 fatalities, 298 injuries and was deemed the most destructive event in Taiwan since World War II.
As Taiwan braces for the impact of Typhoon Krathon, similarities in the trajectory of the incoming typhoon to that of Typhoon Thelma are very noticeable. Without the Central Mountain Range serving as a barrier, southern residents worry about the impact Typhoon Krathon will bring and hope that southern Taiwan may be spared from any disaster.