Taiwan shuts down ahead of Typhoon Kong-rei – DW – 10/31/2024

Cities and counties in Taiwan declared a holiday, canceled flights and closed financial markets on Thursday as the island braces for what is expected to be the strongest storm in 30 years, Typhoon Kong-ray.

At least 27 people were injured, trees were toppled and four landslides were reported, according to the National Fire Agency. He did not provide further details.

The largest typhoon in recent decades

The fast-moving typhoon is expected to hit the sparsely populated east coast around 2:00 pm (0600 GMT), according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA). Strong winds and heavy rain are likely to affect almost all of Taiwan.

“As the typhoon approaches, we should beware of strong winds near the center,” CWA’s Chu Mei-lin said at a briefing. “Its impact on the whole of Taiwan will be very serious.

Once super typhoon Kong-ray weakened overnight but remains a Category 4 hurricane with winds of more than 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph), according to storm tracking website Tropical Storm Risk.

A Taiwanese forecaster said it would be the largest typhoon to hit the island since 1996. He called Kong-rei a “strong typhoon” which is the most powerful storm to hit Taiwan.

Rainfall amounts of up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) are expected in eastern Taiwan.

Preparing for Typhoon Kong-rei

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has put 36,000 troops on alert to assist in rescue operations.

About 1,300 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, according to the government. Meanwhile, the National Fire Agency said evacuations in eight counties began Wednesday evening, with more than 6,200 people evacuated by evening.

About 300 international flights have been cancelled, as well as all domestic flights and 139 ferry services to and from nearby islands, according to Taiwan’s transport ministry.

Taiwan’s high-speed rail is still operating, albeit with significantly reduced traffic.

Typhoons often occur in Taiwan at this time of year.

In early October, Typhoon Kraton killed four people and injured more than a hundred. In July, Typhoon Gemi killed at least 10 people, injured hundreds and caused widespread flooding in the southern seaport of Kaohsiung.

mk/wd (AFP, Reuters)