Typhoon Terror: Taiwan Braces for Fury as Super Storm Kong-rey Bears Down - News Directory 3

Typhoon Terror: Taiwan Braces for Fury as Super Storm Kong-rey Bears Down

November 4, 2024 Catherine Williams World
News Context
At a glance
  • A powerful storm system, Super Typhoon Kong-rey, made landfall in Taiwan, forcing the government to suspend all public service activities, close schools, and halt stock market trading.
  • According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA), Typhoon Kong-rey had peak winds of 230km/h and was approaching Taiwan's east coast.
  • The National Rescue Agency reported that at least 27 people were injured, trees were toppled, and four landslides were recorded.
Original source: vietbao.vn

Super Typhoon Kong-rey Brings Destruction to Taiwan

A powerful storm system, Super Typhoon Kong-rey, made landfall in Taiwan, forcing the government to suspend all public service activities, close schools, and halt stock market trading. Thousands of people were evacuated to storm shelters as the typhoon brought heavy rain and strong winds.

Typhoon Kong-rey turned Taiwanese people’s lives upside down. Video: DW

According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA), Typhoon Kong-rey had peak winds of 230km/h and was approaching Taiwan’s east coast. This storm is equivalent to a category 3 storm on the 5-level Saffir-Simpson storm scale, making it the largest storm to hit Taiwan in 30 years.

Big waves hit the breakwater on the Taitung coast as Typhoon Kong-rey was approaching. Photo: CNN
Big waves hit the breakwater on the Taitung coast as Typhoon Kong-rey was approaching. Photo: CNN

The National Rescue Agency reported that at least 27 people were injured, trees were toppled, and four landslides were recorded. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense mobilized 36,000 troops into combat mode to support rescue efforts.

In Taipei, there was very heavy rain and strong winds, with some areas in the east of Yilan and Hualien counties experiencing flooding. Civilian activities and public services were ordered to suspend throughout the island.

A fisherman in Yilan district anchors his boat before Typhoon Kong-rey makes landfall. Photo: CNN
A fisherman in Yilan district anchors his boat before Typhoon Kong-rey makes landfall. Photo: CNN

The government ordered schools and public service offices to close for at least one day, and the stock market, worth 2.5 trillion USD, suspended trading. About 300 international and domestic flights were canceled, and 139 ferry services to and from the islands were ordered to stop operating.

Schools and offices were ordered to close as soon as the storm had not yet made landfall. Photo: AP
Schools and offices were ordered to close as soon as the storm had not yet made landfall. Photo: AP

Images of some initial damage caused by Typhoon Kong-rey in Taiwan:

  • Initial damage caused by Typhoon Kong-rey in Taiwan.
  • Initial damage caused by Typhoon Kong-rey in Taiwan.
  • Initial damage caused by Typhoon Kong-rey in Taiwan.