Typhoon Kong-rey Unleashes Fury on Taiwan with Strong Winds

Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taiwan on 31st October 2024, prompting a swift response from authorities as they took extensive precautions to ensure public safety. Schools, offices, and financial markets were closed, and thousands of residents were evacuated from high-risk areas.

Typhoon Kong-rey Overview

• Considered the largest typhoon to directly impact Taiwan in nearly 30 years.
• Made landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast around 13:40 local time (04:40 GMT).

Preparatory Measures

• Schools, workplaces, and financial markets were closed in anticipation of the storm.
• Supermarkets experienced significant shortages as residents prepared for the typhoon.
• Thousands of residents were evacuated from high-risk areas.

Typhoon Characteristics

• At its peak, Kong-rey had winds exceeding 200 km/h, classifying it as equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.
• The storm’s intensity weakened to a “moderate typhoon” by local evening.

Impact of the Typhoon

• Injured over 70 people and resulted in at least one confirmed death—a 56-year-old woman struck by a falling tree.
• Caused widespread power outages affecting approximately 500,000 households, as reported by Taiwan Power Company.
• Reports of disasters and emergencies came from local residents, but access to those areas was hindered by severe weather conditions.

Unusual Timing

• This year’s typhoon season is atypical, with Kong-rey striking in late October, a time usually reserved for milder storms.
• Previous strong typhoons typically occur between July and September; however, two significant storms (including Super Typhoon Krathon) have impacted Taiwan this October.

Historical Context

• The deadliest recent typhoon, Morakot in 2009, resulted in nearly 900 fatalities due to flooding and landslides, with record rainfall of 2,777 mm.
• Forecasters predict Kong-rey may bring up to 1,200 mm of rainfall to eastern Taiwan from October 29 to November 1.

Government Response

• The defense ministry has placed 36,000 soldiers on standby for potential rescue operations.
• Approximately 8,600 individuals have been evacuated from vulnerable regions.
• Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te advised citizens to remain indoors and avoid hazardous areas, including beaches.

Post-Landfall Expectations

• Kong-rey is anticipated to weaken gradually after crossing Taiwan and is expected to exit the island by Friday.