In brief
Typhoon Kong-rey, the most significant typhoon Taiwan has faced in nearly three decades, has made landfall, leaving destruction in its wake. With schools and businesses shuttered, thousands of residents prepared for the storm's impact, which struck around 1:40 PM local time. Initially packing winds exceeding 200 km/h, Kong-rey resembled a Category 4 hurricane at its peak. The storm has already resulted in at least one fatality, as well as injuries to over 70 individuals due to numerous incidents linked to the extreme weather.
In anticipation of Kong-rey's impact, authorities have suspended flights, ferries, and halted exchanges on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. As the storm wreaks havoc, about half a million homes have suffered power outages, while reports of local disasters continue to pour in, hampered by relentless rain and wind that prevent rescue efforts. Historically, Taiwan's typhoon season occurs between July and September, raising alarms over the atypical timing of Kong-rey's assault. This late occurrence follows another notable storm, Super Typhoon Krathon, which struck during October, illustrating shifts in weather patterns potentially linked to near-record global sea surface temperatures. Local residents express disbelief at this year's violent weather. "I’m 70 years old,” a resident in Hualien remarked, “and I have never seen a typhoon hit this late in the year.” The repercussions are severe, with expectations of torrential rains leading to flooding and landslides. The eastern region alone could experience up to 1,200 mm of rain by week's end.In response to the escalating crisis, President Lai Ching-te has advised residents to remain indoors and urged caution against venturing into hazardous areas. Taiwan's defense ministry is mobilizing 36,000 soldiers for potential rescue missions, with nearly 8,600 evacuees already relocated from danger zones. As Kong-rey moves off the island on Friday, there is hope for a gradual decrease in severity, yet the event underscores the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather phenomena.Taiwan prepares for the aftermath of Kong-rey as it makes its way across the island, holding its breath in the face of changing climatic patterns.
