Torrential rain and strong winds lashed Taiwan on Thursday as the biggest storm to hit the island in nearly three decades lashed the southeastern coast, killing at least one person and injuring dozens more.
Typhoon Kong-rey packed winds approaching 200 kilometers per hour (125 mph), equivalent to a Category 3 Atlantic hurricane, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), when it made landfall in Taitung County on Thursday afternoon.
Kong-rey’s maximum wind radius was measured at 320 kilometers (nearly 200 miles) on Wednesday evening, meaning it was the biggest storm to hit Taiwan since Typhoon Herb in 1996, said Chang Chun-yao, a forecaster at the island’s Central Meteorological Agency.
A 56-year-old woman was killed by a falling tree while traveling by car in Nantou County, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operations Center (CEOC). At least 73 storm-related injuries have been reported across the island, he added.
Before the powerful storm, local authorities ordered offices and schools to temporarily close, while Taiwan halted trading on its stock market.
Taiwan generally has a strong record of responding to major typhoons, although remote villages in mountainous areas can be particularly vulnerable to landslides.
Taiwan’s military has prepared more than 34,000 troops to help with rescue efforts and more than 8,600 people were evacuated from high-risk areas as of Wednesday, CEOC said.
More than 500 flights, including 300 international trips, have been cancelled, and all ferry services to Taiwan’s outlying islands have been halted, according to Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration. High-speed rail services are operating at limited capacity, according to train operators, while the Taipei metro said it had suspended services on open sections.
Images from Taiwan’s official Central News Agency and social media showed huge waves crashing on the coast of Taitung County, while parts of neighboring Hualien County were flooded. Uprooted road signs and traffic lights were also seen across Taiwan, according to images on social media.
Kong-rey quickly strengthened to super typhoon strength on Wednesday as it headed towards Taiwan after hitting the Philippines. Although the storm weakened slightly before making a direct landfall in Taiwan, it dumped heavy rain, causing sudden flooding, storm surge and the risk of landslides.
The heaviest rainfall is expected across eastern Taiwan. Taiwan’s weather agency on Thursday issued a “very heavy” rain warning, its highest level, for parts of Yilan, Hualien, Taichung and Taitung counties along the east coast.
The rest of eastern Taiwan and the northern part of the island, including Taipei, are under a “heavy” rain warning, the second highest level. Additional rainfall of more than half a meter (20 inches) is still possible in parts of eastern Taiwan, which could cause sudden flooding and landslides, according to the CWA.
Warmer oceans due to the human-caused climate crisis are making storms intensify more quickly, scientists say.
Kong-rey is the third typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan this year after Krathon and Gaemi.
Earlier this month, Typhoon Krathon killed four people when it brought torrential rain to the south of the island.
In recent days, the northern part of the Philippines’ main island, Luzon, has been battered by the outer band of Kong-rey, known locally as Leon, as authorities ordered evacuations and warned of its impact after previously seeing damage from Tropical Storm Trami, known as Kristine, who killed at least 130 people.
After moving into the northern Taiwan Strait, the storm is expected to move into the East China Sea and towards Japan. (CNN/Z-3)
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**Interview with Dr. Mei Liu, Meteorologist and Disaster Preparedness Expert**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Liu. Can you start by sharing your thoughts on Typhoon Kong-rey and its impact on Taiwan over the past few days?
**Dr. Liu**: Thank you for having me. Typhoon Kong-rey was a significant event, marking one of the strongest storms to strike Taiwan in nearly three decades. The winds reached up to 200 kilometers per hour, and the storm’s broad radius affected a large area, leading to widespread disruption, including the tragic loss of life and numerous injuries.
**Interviewer**: It’s devastating to hear about the loss of life and injuries. Can you elaborate on the measures taken by local authorities in preparation for the typhoon?
**Dr. Liu**: Absolutely. In advance of the storm, local authorities acted swiftly by closing offices and schools, as well as suspending stock market trading. Approximately 34,000 military personnel were put on standby for potential rescue operations. Authorities also evacuated over 8,600 residents in high-risk areas, showcasing a proactive approach in response to the storm.
**Interviewer**: With over 500 flights canceled and significant disruptions to transportation, what are the challenges cities like Taipei faced during and after the storm?
**Dr. Liu**: The challenges are manifold. With such a high number of cancelled flights and halted ferry services, the travel disruptions can have economic impacts and create safety concerns for those stranded. Additionally, infrastructure damage in terms of uprooted signs and flooded areas complicates the recovery process. It takes time to restore all services, assess damages, and ensure locations are safe for residents to return.
**Interviewer**: In your experience, how well does Taiwan typically respond to disasters like Kong-rey, and what improvements can be made for future storms?
**Dr. Liu**: Taiwan has a strong historical record of disaster response, with well-coordinated emergency services and public awareness campaigns. However, there’s always room for improvement, especially in remote areas that are more vulnerable to landslides. Investments in infrastructure resilience, real-time weather tracking technologies, and community training programs could enhance preparedness even further.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Liu, for your insights on this serious situation. As we hope for recovery, what message do you have for those affected by Typhoon Kong-rey?
**Dr. Liu**: My heart goes out to those impacted by this disaster. I urge everyone to stay connected with local authorities for updates and support services. Community and resilience are crucial during recovery—together, we can overcome the challenges that arise from such natural calamities.
**Interviewer**: Thank you once again for your time and expertise, Dr. Liu. We appreciate it.
