Typhoon Kong-rey Slams Taiwan The Most Powerful Storm in Decades

Typhoon Kong-rey struck Taiwan’s east coast on Thursday, becoming the largest storm to hit the island in nearly 30 years. The typhoon led to widespread disruptions, including the closure of financial markets, the cancellation of hundreds of flights, and significant reductions in rail services.

The storm wreaked havoc, leaving nearly half a million households without power, according to government reports. Tragically, one individual lost their life when a truck collided with a fallen tree in central Taiwan. The Taiwan Central Weather Administration confirmed that the typhoon primarily affected the mountainous region of Taitung, unleashing strong winds and torrential rain across the entire island.

Once classified as a super typhoon, Kong-rey slightly weakened overnight but still maintained the intensity of a Category 4 hurricane, with gusts exceeding 155 mph. Warnings for destructive winds over 100 mph were issued in Taitung, while Lanyu Island recorded gusts over 162 mph. Reports indicate that some regions have experienced more than 3.3 feet of rainfall since the storm began to approach.

President Lai Ching-te urged citizens to cooperate in disaster prevention efforts, emphasizing the dangers of hazardous activities such as wave watching during the typhoon. The Taiwanese government has mobilized 36,000 troops to assist in rescue operations, and nearly 10,000 individuals have been evacuated from high-risk areas in advance of the storm.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, has activated its routine typhoon preparedness procedures. However, the company reassured stakeholders that it does not anticipate significant disruptions to its operations. The transport ministry reported the cancellation of 314 international flights and all domestic flights, while the high-speed railway service continued with limited operations.

As Kong-rey progresses towards the Taiwan Strait, it is forecast to weaken further but is expected to impact China’s Fujian province. Shanghai is bracing for what could be the most intense rainfall in over four decades.

Taiwan’s history of weathering typhoons continues as the island grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Kong-rey. With ongoing recovery efforts and safety measures in place, the resilience of the Taiwanese people will be tested once again in the face of this powerful storm.