A fire at a hospital in southern Taiwan claimed the lives of at least eight people on Thursday (October 3), as the island faced the impact of Typhoon Krathon. The fire occurred in Pingtung County, which has been severely affected by the typhoon’s torrential rains and strong winds, causing significant disruption.
The victims died from smoke inhalation, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Soldiers from a nearby base were deployed to assist medical workers and firefighters in evacuating patients and extinguishing the blaze.
Reports indicated that 176 patients were rushed to the hospital’s front entrance, protected from the heavy rain with tarps, and then transferred to ambulances and nearby shelters.
Typhoon Krathon makes landfall
Typhoon Krathon made landfall in Kaohsiung, a major port city, bringing winds of 126 kph (78 mph) and stronger gusts, according to Taiwan’s weather authorities. The slow-moving storm has drenched eastern and southern Taiwan for the past five days, prompting thousands to evacuate from vulnerable areas.
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The weather administration has warned residents of Kaohsiung and Pingtung County to stay indoors as the eye of the storm passes overhead.