Taiwan Braces for Typhoon Kong-Rey: Mass Evacuations, Schools Closed

Photo : AFP

Keelung: Taiwan came to a standstill on Thursday as Super Typhoon Kong-Rey, one of the most intense storms in recent years, neared the island. Thousands of residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas along the east coast, where mountainous terrain and sparsely populated regions were set to bear the brunt of the typhoon. Up to 10-meter waves battered the shoreline as the powerful storm approached land.

Kong-Rey brought ferocious wind gusts of nearly 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour), according to data from the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. These extreme conditions surpassed even those of Typhoon Gaemi, which struck Taiwan in July as the strongest typhoon in eight years. Authorities issued a heightened alert due to Kong-Rey’s intensity and scope, with the Central Weather Administration warning that its impact would be widespread. "With the typhoon approaching, we should beware of the strong winds near the center," said Chu Mei-lin of the Central Weather Administration. "Its impact on all of Taiwan will be quite severe."

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In preparation, work and school across Taiwan were suspended, leaving the typically bustling streets of Taipei largely empty as bursts of heavy rain and intense winds swept through the capital. "This typhoon feels very strong," said Kevin Lin, a 52-year-old office worker who was able to stay home. "I'm used to the many typhoons in Taiwan, and I don't feel scared."

The severe weather has already left a mark on the island. At least 27 people have been reported injured, with trees uprooted and at least four mudslides recorded, according to the National Fire Agency. Rescue teams were attempting to contact two Czech tourists who were believed to be hiking in Taroko Gorge, a popular scenic area in Hualien, but had been unreachable via satellite and mobile phones.

The storm has disrupted transportation, with over 400 domestic and international flights canceled, and ferry services halted. Around 18,000 homes were affected by power outages, though disaster response teams were able to restore electricity to most of those affected households. Moving at 28 kilometers per hour (16 miles per hour), Kong-Rey was expected to continue its trajectory toward Hualien and Taitung counties before slowing down overland. The storm is forecasted to sweep across Taiwan and then move out to the Taiwan Strait later in the evening.

Kong-Rey is notable not only for its wind speed but also for its massive size, with a radius of 320 kilometers, making it one of the most expansive typhoons to hit Taiwan in nearly three decades. Forecasters expect more than a meter of rainfall in the hardest-hit areas along the east coast by Friday, as seasonal monsoons compounded by typhoon rains put Taiwan at high risk for landslides.

Evacuations had already begun on Wednesday across vulnerable regions, including Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung counties, with around 8,600 residents relocated to safer areas. Prepared to assist with relief efforts, nearly 35,000 troops were placed on standby. Officials also warned of "destructive" winds from Kong-Rey, urging residents to remain cautious.

The increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons like Kong-Rey have led scientists to warn that climate change is causing more powerful storms. Rising global temperatures contribute to storms carrying heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and the potential for flash floods. This year, Kong-Rey is the third typhoon to impact Taiwan since July. Previously, Typhoon Gaemi caused significant destruction, killing at least 10 people, injuring hundreds, and leading to widespread flooding in the southern seaport of Kaohsiung. Gaemi was followed by Typhoon Krathon in early October, which resulted in at least four fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and severe mudslides and flooding.

As Kong-Rey continues its path across Taiwan, authorities remain focused on protecting residents and mitigating damage.

Oct. 31, 2024 9:55 a.m. 453

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