In a historic event, Typhoon Kong-rey, the largest typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan since 1996, struck Taiwan’s southeastern coast near Taitung on Thursday afternoon.
Although the typhoon caused widespread damage across the island, early reports indicate relatively few fatalities, with only one death and over 200 injuries reported.
The storm, classified as a “strong typhoon” by Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA), made its entrance late in the typhoon season, which usually spans from May to October.
The CWA warned of devastating winds, rainfall, and a high risk of landslides as the typhoon approached.
Workplaces, schools, and various transport services were closed on Thursday in anticipation, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors.
Evacuations and military support aid Taiwanese communities as Typhoon Kong-rey brings intense flooding.As the storm made landfall, parts of Taiwan saw rainfall surpassing 1.2 meters, causing significant flooding and severe landslides, particularly in areas close to the storm’s center.
Gusts from Kong-rey reached up to 225 kph (140 mph), with sustained winds clocked at 183 kph near the center.
The large typhoon, with a radius of 320 km and a 64 km-wide eye, prompted urgent warnings for all of Taiwan’s main and surrounding islands.
On Lanyu Island, the typhoon recorded winds exceeding 213 kph, with gusts surpassing 260 kph before the equipment was knocked offline.
Approximately 9,000 residents were evacuated, and more than 30,000 troops were positioned for rapid response. Military drills were also postponed, and over 60 landslide warnings were issued.
Despite severe conditions, the advanced preparations and quick response by Taiwan’s disaster response teams helped to minimize the typhoon’s human toll.