The powerful typhoon Kong-rey reached Taiwan on Thursday, one of the strongest storms to hit the island in decades. With sustained winds reaching 184 kilometres per hour and towering waves up to 10 meters high, the storm had already caused one death and massive flooding.
Expected to make landfall this afternoon in eastern Taiwan, Kong-rey has the same force as Typhoon Gaemi, which was the strongest to hit the island in eight years when it landed in July. However, Kong-rey’s diameter of 320 kilometres made the storm the largest typhoon to hit Taiwan in almost three decades.
While Taiwan is used to tropical storms during the months of July to October, this late in the season for such a powerful typhoon to hit was unusual, according to the Central Weather Administration. Scientists have already warned that climate change is intensifying storms with heavier rains, flash floods, and stronger winds.
“The impact on all of Taiwan will be quite severe,” said Chu Mei-lin with the Central Weather Administration. Work and schools were suspended throughout the island to prepare for the storm as residents prepared for the worst.
Damage reports were widespread, with uprooted trees blocking highways and crushing vehicles. A woman was killed in Nantou County when a falling tree hit her car. Another 73 people were injured, according to the National Fire Agency.
Local officials said flooding was especially severe in Hualien County, with many residents still being rescued and evacuated. As the storm wore on, Kong-rey was downgraded to a “moderate typhoon” but continued to create havoc as it churned across the island.
Heavy rain and strong winds turned Taipei’s streets largely into a no-man’s land. Almost 35,000 troops were on standby to assist in relief work, as authorities reported at least 34 mudslides, 162 damaged buildings, and 366 fallen trees.
More than 400 domestic and international flights were axed, with ferry services suspended, leaving some 250,000 households without electricity. Taiwanese technology giant TSMC triggered its typhoon alert processes but expected only a limited impact on operations.
Authorities have relocated more than 9,600 residents from areas at risk of landslides and flooding as Kong-rey dumps heavy rain in the region. People have also been warned against dangerous activities like going to beaches. This is the third typhoon to hit Taiwan since July, with the previous two storms bringing widespread loss of life and damage.
