Typhoon Kong-rey Makes Landfall on Taiwan’s East Coast: Nation Braces for Largest Storm in Decades
On Thursday, Taiwan’s east coast witnessed the powerful arrival of Typhoon Kong-rey, as it made landfall between Taitung and Hualien counties. The storm brought with it intense winds and torrential rain, affecting nearly all parts of the island and prompting cities and counties to declare a full day off from work and school. Financial markets have been shut down, and hundreds of flights have been grounded as a result of the extreme weather conditions.
Typhoon Kong-rey, which had reached the classification of a super typhoon, slightly weakened overnight yet remained formidable with gusts reaching over 250 km/h (155 mph), equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration described the storm as potentially the largest in size to impact the island since 1996. The administration cautioned that Kong-rey’s expansive reach would bring sustained and powerful rainfall and strong winds throughout the day.
Financially, the storm’s impact led to the shutdown of all major markets as well as the closure of government offices and schools. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a critical player in the global tech supply chain, reported that it did not anticipate significant disruptions from the typhoon.
The transportation sector also felt the impact, with nearly 300 international flights canceled as the typhoon swept across the eastern coast. Both local and international airlines suspended operations, impacting travelers and delaying logistics across the region.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te urged citizens to prioritize safety, specifically asking people to avoid dangerous activities like wave watching during the typhoon. On social media, he emphasized the need for vigilance and cooperation in preventing accidents or injuries as the typhoon moves inland.
The island remains on high alert as Kong-rey continues its path across Taiwan, with authorities closely monitoring its effects and maintaining an elevated level of preparedness. The typhoon’s extensive size and strength highlight the urgent need for coordinated disaster management efforts to safeguard citizens and critical infrastructure alike.
