One of the most effective storms in decades, Super Typhoon Kong-rey, struck Taiwan on Thursday, bringing waves as high as 10 feet, causing serious flooding, and claiming at least one living, according to authorities. With maximum wind speeds of 184 km/h ( 114 mph ), Kong-rey made landfall in eastern Taiwan on Thursday afternoon, as reported by the Central Weather Administration.
With a circle of 320 miles, Kong-rey surpassed Typhoon Gaemi, which hit in July, as the largest surprise to change Taiwan in almost 30 times. ” Its effect on all of Taiwan will be quite severe”, said Chu Mei-lin from the Central Weather Administration.
As citizens prepared for the storms, work and school were suspended on Thursday. A woman was reported missing in the northern county of Nantou when a branch fell on her car. 73 people were also injured in the harsh conditions, according to the National Fire Agency.
” This storms feels pretty strong”, said department worker Kevin Lin, 52. ” I’m used to the many typhoons in Taiwan and I do n’t feel scared”, as reported by AFP news agency.
A fire department official noted that the wind brought heavy rain and severe wind that only intensified after the typhoon’s vision was removed. Hualien County reported significant flood, with save and evacuation operations in progress. We are even taking care of accidents where trees and signage hit people on the streets, according to fire chief Wang Ming-chung.
Chu warned that the storm’s effects may continue until early Friday, though Kong-rey is expected to diminish as it moves across Taiwan’s rocky ground toward the Taiwan Strait. However, around 35, 000 soldiers stood ready for comfort work, according to officials, with at least four landslides already recorded.
Over 400 domestic and international planes were severely impacted, and all ferry service were suspended. Around 100, 000 houses have lost strength, authorities confirmed.
Officials evacuated around 8, 600 people from prone areas including Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung.
President Lai Ching-te urged the people to avoid harmful actions, warning against “dangerous attitude” such as visiting shores to observe the tides. Kong-rey is the fourth typhoon to strike Taiwan since July, following Typhoon Gaemi, which caused extensive damage and mortality, and Typhoon Krathon, which struck in earlier October.
