KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) - 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.

Typhoon Krathon is expected to continue moving towards southern Taiwan, with Kaohsiung being the most likely landfall site. Once the typhoon interacts with Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, its path could become erratic, with the potential for sudden changes in direction or looping tracks.

Taiwan issued a warning on Monday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon, which has strengthened into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane and is expected to cross the densely populated west coast bringing torrential rain and strong winds.

Taiwan’s authorities shuttered some schools and canceled domestic flights as an intensifying Typhoon Krathon moves toward the island while bringing violent wind and rain to the Philippines.

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

Taiwan issued a land warning on Monday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Krathon, which is expected to intensify and cross the island's densely populated west coast bringing torrential rain and strong winds.