Taiwan is suffering severe consequences from Typhoon Kong-rey, which has hit the island. The disaster has forced the evacuation of more than 8,600 people from areas threatened by flooding, landslides and avalanches.
Citing the Emergency Operations Center (CEOC), that 1,321 people have been placed in 71 emergency shelters across the island. Evacuations are ongoing in several cities and counties, including New Taipei, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu, Nantou, Pingtung, Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung.
Strong winds and heavy rains accompanying the typhoon left 27 people injured. No fatalities have been reported. However, the situation remains tense as contact with two Czech tourists hiking in Taroko National Park has been lost.
Electricity has been cut off in 153 thousand homes
The typhoon caused significant destruction on the island. Strong winds and heavy rains led to flooding, landslides, and homes, roads, and infrastructure damage.
Taiwan’s power company reported widespread power outages affecting more than 153,000 homes.
Taiwan’s transportation system was also severely affected. At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, 241 flights were canceled, and the railway company suspended train services on the eastern, western, and southern lines. Schools and businesses were closed in the island’s capital.
21st typhoon this year in the Pacific Ocean
According to focustaiwan, Typhoon Kong-rey, moving north-northwest at 50 kilometers per hour, continues to affect populated areas on the island and is expected to continue until the evening of the following day, according to the Central Meteorological Administration.
Taiwan was not alone in the typhoon’s aftermath. Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, located opposite Taiwan, also suspended ferry services and construction work on its coasts and offshore. Local authorities stepped up flood protection measures in anticipation of rising rivers in Fujian and Jiangxi provinces.
Kong-rey, with wind speeds reaching 190 kilometers per hour, became the 21st typhoon to hit the Pacific Ocean this year.
