Typhoon Krathon, the most powerful storm to hit southern Taiwan in decades, has brought the region to a standstill. With work and classes suspended across southern counties, residents scrambled to prepare for the storm. Fishing boats sought refuge in harbors, and cargo ships rerouted to avoid the typhoon's path, leaving Taiwan's surrounding waters eerily empty. Yet, amidst this sense of desolation, ocean data buoys deployed by the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) and the Central Weather Administration continued their vigilant operations, monitoring the typhoon's dynamics and relaying real-time information to disaster response agencies to aid in decision-making for disaster prevention and evacuation.
       Since 2020, NAMR has deployed ocean data buoys in Taiwan's adjacent waters to monitor waves, ocean currents, and strong winds. These buoys transmit real-time data to the National Ocean Database and Sharing System (NODASS), offering critical insights for disaster response and mitigation. Each ocean data buoy measures 2.5 meters in diameter and weighs 1,500 kilograms. They are one of the world's most crucial marine observation instruments. NAMR has localized and developed these tools, with buoy systems currently installed at Nanwan in Kenting, Dongjiyu in Penghu, Chaojing in Keelung, and Honeymoon Bay in Yilan. These buoys represent cutting-edge, locally developed marine monitoring technology. In addition to NAMR, agencies such as the Central Weather Administration, Water Resources Agency, and the Transportation Technology Research Center have also installed similar buoy stations tailored to their missions. Data from these stations is integrated into NODASS, where it is accessible to the public.
       During typhoons, when ships are grounded, satellites are obscured by clouds, and drones cannot take flight, ocean data buoys are the sole reliable source of maritime information. Using 4G/5G or satellite communication systems, these buoys relay real-time conditions at sea, providing essential updates for disaster response teams to track the typhoon's progress. Even with advanced typhoon forecasting models, buoy data remains indispensable for calibration, ensuring accurate predictions.
       Before Typhoon Krathon made landfall, the sea had already shown its immense power. The NAMR recorded wave heights exceeding 7 meters near Nanwan in Kenting, with offshore waves approaching 10 meters and surges peaking momentarily at over 15 meters. As the typhoon continues to approach, wave activity is expected to intensify further, potentially bringing unprecedented impacts to coastal areas. Residents living near the coast are strongly advised to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.