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.
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | Typhoon Kong-rey Unleashes Fury on Taiwan with Strong Winds |
| Overview | Largest typhoon to directly impact Taiwan in nearly 30 years. |
| Typhoon Characteristics | Peak winds exceeded 200 km/h (Category 4 hurricane equivalent). Weakened to a “moderate typhoon” by the evening. |
| Impact | Over 70 injuries and at least 1 death (56-year-old woman hit by a falling tree). |