Taiwan is taking extensive precautions as it prepares for the impending arrival of Typhoon Kong-rey, a powerful storm anticipated to make landfall on Thursday. In an unprecedented move, all cities and counties across the island have declared a public holiday, prompting closures of schools and businesses. Financial markets have also been closed, and domestic flights have been canceled, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Authorities are bracing for what is expected to be the largest storm by size to strike Taiwan in over 30 years.
According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA), Typhoon Kong-rey is forecasted to hit the mountainous and sparsely populated eastern coast around 2:00 PM local time (0600 GMT). While the storm has slightly weakened overnight, it remains a formidable force, classified as a strong typhoon equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, with wind gusts exceeding 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour). The CWA has described Kong-rey as the most powerful storm level applicable to Taiwan, emphasizing the severe impact it could have on the region. Gene Huang, a forecaster with the CWA, noted that after making landfall, the storm is expected to move toward the Taiwan Strait as it weakens, but residents are strongly urged to remain indoors due to the imminent danger posed by high winds and heavy rains.
The CWA has issued warnings for destructive winds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour) in eastern Taiwan, particularly in Taitung County, where the outlying Lanyu Island has already recorded gusts exceeding 260 kilometers per hour (162 miles per hour) before some wind barometers went offline. In addition to the powerful winds, the CWA predicts that eastern Taiwan could receive significant rainfall totals of up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). This combination of intense winds and heavy rainfall raises serious concerns about flooding, landslides, and other weather-related disasters, particularly in vulnerable areas that are prone to such events.
In anticipation of the storm's impact, Taiwan's defense ministry has placed approximately 36,000 troops on standby to assist with rescue operations and recovery efforts. The government has also proactively evacuated around 1,300 individuals from high-risk areas as a precautionary measure. These evacuations aim to ensure the safety and well-being of residents who may be directly affected by the storm.
In the realm of business, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), recognized as the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier to prominent companies such as Apple and Nvidia, has activated its routine typhoon alert protocols at all its factories and construction sites. TSMC has expressed confidence that its operations will not experience significant disruptions as a result of the storm, showcasing the company's preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Despite the imminent threat posed by Typhoon Kong-rey, Taiwan's high-speed railway system, which connects major cities on the densely populated western plains, continues to operate with a significantly reduced service schedule. This decision reflects the government's commitment to maintaining transportation options while prioritizing safety. Authorities have strongly advised residents to avoid mountainous regions and coastal areas, where the risks of landslides and flooding are particularly high.
As Typhoon Kong-rey approaches, it is expected to graze the coastal region of China's Fujian province on Friday morning. Taiwan is no stranger to the challenges posed by typhoons, frequently experiencing severe weather events. The last significant storm, Typhoon Krathon, resulted in four fatalities earlier this month as it passed through the southern part of the island. This ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events highlights the importance of preparedness, community resilience, and effective disaster response strategies in subtropical Taiwan. As the storm looms closer, the focus remains firmly on safeguarding lives, minimizing damage to infrastructure, and ensuring the well-being of residents in the affected areas. The government and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise as a result of Typhoon Kong-rey's impact.
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