TAIPEI, Taiwan: On Thursday, Typhoon Kong-rey struck Taiwan’s eastern coast with winds over 250 kph (155 mph) and torrential rain, leading all cities and counties to shut down, close financial markets, and cancel hundreds of flights.
Initially a super typhoon, Kong-rey slightly weakened before making landfall in Taitung County, an area with mountainous terrain and sparse population.
However, it is still regarded as the largest typhoon in 30 years to impact Taiwan, with authorities urging residents to avoid outdoor activities due to extreme weather risks.
On Orchid Island (Lanyu), gusts reached 260 kph, damaging rooftops and cutting power to over 1,300 homes. While no injuries have been reported, local officials described a tense atmosphere, with many staying awake overnight to monitor the storm’s progress. More than one meter (3.3 feet) of rainfall has been recorded in eastern Taiwan since Kong-rey’s approach began on Wednesday.
In preparation, the defence ministry readied 36,000 troops to assist in rescue operations, and over 1,300 people were evacuated from high-risk areas. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a global leader in chip manufacturing, reported no significant disruptions. The storm is expected to weaken as it heads toward China’s Fujian Province on Friday.
