Typhoon Krathon will cross through Taiwan’s densely populated west coast, including major port city of Kaohsiung

The storm is expected to bring torrential rain this week to Taiwan’s southwest, including Kaohsiung, the island’s third-largest city.

Taiwan mobilised nearly 40,000 troops on Tuesday to bolster rescue efforts as the powerful Typhoon Krathon approaching its populous southwest coast is expected to bring a storm surge and the coast guard raced to locate 19 sailors who abandoned ship.