Typhoon Julian (international name: Krathon) has left a trail of destruction in its wake, impacting both the Philippines and Taiwan. While the storm has weakened into a tropical depression, its effects are still being felt, raising concerns about the increasing intensity and frequency of these weather events.
Julian's Impact on the Philippines:
- Damage and Displacement: Julian caused significant damage in Batanes, cutting power and communications, and damaging numerous houses. The storm also displaced over 5,400 people in the northern Philippines, primarily in Ilocos and Cagayan Valley.
- Casualties: Eight people were injured and one is missing due to the storm.
Krathon's Impact on Taiwan:
- Fatalities and Evacuations: The typhoon caused at least two deaths in Taiwan and led to the evacuation of thousands.
- Widespread Damage: Krathon brought mudslides, flooding, and destructive winds, toppling trees, knocking over motorcyclists, and blowing cargo containers from a pier. Schools, offices, and businesses across Taiwan were shut down for two days.
- Tragic Hospital Fire: A fire in a hospital in southern Pingtung, exacerbated by the typhoon, tragically killed nine people.
Climate Change and the Future of Typhoons:
A recent study has shown that typhoons are increasingly forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lasting longer over land due to climate change. This trend raises serious concerns about the future of these storms and the potential for even greater damage and devastation.