Taipei, Taiwan — Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taiwan this weekend, unleashing its fury as the largest storm to hit the island since 1996. The powerful typhoon brought with it torrential rains, fierce winds exceeding 150 km/h (93 mph), and widespread destruction, prompting emergency declarations across the island.
Authorities reported extensive damage to infrastructure, including downed power lines and flooded streets, leading to power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. Emergency services have been mobilized, and the government urged citizens to stay indoors as high waves battered coastal areas and landslides occurred in mountainous regions.
As the storm swept across the island, residents prepared for the worst, stocking up on essentials and securing their homes. Many schools and businesses were closed as a precaution, and public transportation was severely disrupted. Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau stated that Kong-rey’s impact could be felt for days, with additional rainfall expected to exacerbate flooding in already vulnerable areas.
In response to the devastation, President Tsai Ing-wen expressed solidarity with those affected and assured the public that the government was working diligently to restore normalcy. “We are in this together,” she stated during a press briefing. “We will do everything in our power to support those in need.”
As Taiwan begins the arduous recovery process, the resilience of its citizens is being tested once again. Authorities are urging people to heed safety warnings and remain vigilant as the aftermath of Typhoon Kong-rey continues to unfold.
Taipei Times, Central News Agency (CNA), The Guardian, BBC News, CNN, Reuters, The Weather Channel,
