Taiwan is currently grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Kong-rey, a powerful storm that made landfall on the eastern coast, marking a significant weather event for the island. This late-season typhoon, described as the most formidable to strike Taiwan in nearly three decades, arrived at approximately 13:40 local time (04:40 GMT).
In preparation for the approaching storm, schools and offices across the nation were closed on Thursday, and residents flocked to supermarkets, leaving shelves nearly empty. With wind speeds over 200 km/h recorded at its center, Typhoon Kong-rey has been classified as equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.
The local impact has been severe, as authorities report that over 70 individuals have sustained injuries, and tragic reports confirm at least one fatality: a 56-year-old woman who died when a falling tree struck her vehicle. By Thursday evening, the storm had downgraded to a "moderate typhoon," but damage persisted, with approximately half a million households facing power outages as confirmed by Taiwan Power Company.
Local government offices in Hualien have been inundated with reports of disasters, yet adverse weather conditions have hindered timely responses. "We keep receiving disaster reports from residents, but we can't reach them due to extreme wind and rain," reported one township official.
Typically, Taiwan’s typhoon season runs from July to September, and such a late arrival is rare. Historically, the strongest storms have occurred within this timeframe, making the occurrence of Kong-rey and the recent super typhoon Krathon, both in October, particularly alarming. A local resident who has weathered numerous storms commented, “I’m 70 years old and have never seen a typhoon hit this late in the year.”
Ocean scientists have noted near-record sea surface temperatures worldwide since July, providing ideal conditions for storm formation. The risk of flooding, landslides, and heavy rainfall remains high, with predictions suggesting that eastern Taiwan could receive up to 1,200 mm of rain from October 29 to November 1.
In preparation for potential rescue operations, Taiwan’s defense ministry has placed 36,000 soldiers on standby, and approximately 8,600 individuals from high-risk areas have been evacuated. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urged citizens to prioritize their safety by staying home and avoiding the dangers associated with storm-watching at the beach.
As Typhoon Kong-rey continues moving across Taiwan, forecasters anticipate a gradual weakening of the storm. The situation remains dynamic as the island prepares for the impact of this rare but powerful typhoon.
