Typhoon Kong-Rey hit the east coast of Taiwan, which, according to preliminary data, became the strongest storm the island has seen in the last three decades.
Taiwan has declared a holiday due to the threat of natural disasters, financial markets are closed and hundreds of flights have been canceled.
The typhoon Kong-Rey hit the mountainous areas between Taitung and Hualien counties, and heavy rains and gusty winds covered almost the entire island. Although the storm has weakened slightly, it still has the status of a Category 4 hurricane with wind gusts of up to 260 km/h.
The country’s authorities urged citizens to stay at home and not approach the shore, where waves reach five meters in height.
Meteorologists also warn of the possibility of flooding, especially in the eastern regions, where rainfall of up to 1.2 meters is expected.
To ensure security, the authorities have mobilized 36,000 troops and have already evacuated 1,300 people from high-risk areas. Environmental services are also working to prevent an oil leak from a Chinese cargo ship that is stuck on the rocks.
The typhoon kong-rey caused the cancellation of 298 international flights, all domestic flights, and 139 ferry routes. Subway service has also been suspended in the capital Taipei.
Typhoon Kong-Rey is expected to head to China’s Fujian Province on November 1.
Fierce winds hit #Taitung as #TyphoonKongRey approaches #Taiwan
Huge waves batter Fugang Harbor and utility poles on Orchid Island teeter. Gusts reached Level 17 (up to 220 kph) on the Beaufort scale, while Taitung City saw Level 10 gusts. pic.twitter.com/OYNwbminXa— Focus Taiwan (CNA English News) (@Focus_Taiwan) October 31, 2024
According to the Guardian, Taiwan has shut down work, school, and transport as the biggest typhoon to hit the island in decades made landfall on its east coast.
Kong-rey has been declared a “strong typhoon” by Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA), which said it was expected to be the largest storm to hit Taiwan since 1996.
