One of the most powerful typhoons to hit Taiwan in decades, Super Typhoon Kong-rey, is expected to make landfall on the island’s east coast on Thursday. Schools and businesses have been suspended, and millions of people are bracing for heavy rainfall and damaging winds. The storm, with a radius of 320km, is set to be the largest typhoon by size to hit Taiwan since 1996. Authorities have evacuated 1,300 people from high-risk areas and put 36,000 troops on standby for rescue efforts.
Taiwan’s weather administration predicts up to 1.2 meters of rainfall and destructive wind speeds exceeding 160km/h in some areas. Flights have been cancelled, ferry services suspended, and public transportation halted in anticipation of the storm. At least 27 people have already been injured, with reports of trees being knocked down and mudslides recorded.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Transport and Central Weather Administration warn of severe impact across the country. Typhoon Kong-rey is currently stronger than the last major typhoon to hit Taiwan, Typhoon Gaemi, in 2010. Residents in Taipei are already experiencing heavy rain and strong winds, and the storm is expected to also affect China’s Fujian province.
As the Taiwanese government and residents prepare for the arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey, the focus remains on safety and minimizing the potential damage from one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in recent memory.
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