Typhoon Kong-rey Causes Devastation in Taiwan
Typhoon Kong-rey, one of the strongest storms to hit Taiwan in decades, made landfall on the island on October 31, 2024, resulting in at least two fatalities and over 500 injuries. Meteorologist Chang Chun-yao noted that while Taiwan is accustomed to tropical storms during the summer months, the intensity and timing of Kong-rey were unusual. The typhoon, which brought wind gusts of up to 184 km/h, caused widespread destruction, uprooting trees and triggering floods and landslides across the island.
The storm first struck the southeastern region of Taitung before sweeping across Taiwan, severely impacting cities such as Toucheng in Yilan, where torrential rains led to mudslides. Tragically, a 48-year-old motorcyclist died after a falling power pole struck him in Taipei, and a 56-year-old woman was killed by a tree that fell on her vehicle in Nantou County.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of the storm, emergency services and clean-up crews have been working tirelessly to restore normalcy. With nearly 100,000 homes reported to be without electricity, efforts are underway to clear roads obstructed by fallen trees and debris. Fire officials reported that air traffic was severely disrupted, with more than 240 flights canceled at Taoyuan International Airport, where a near-air disaster occurred during the storm as a pilot had to perform a go-around maneuver due to dangerous landing conditions.
Search operations are ongoing for four individuals who went missing while hunting in the mountains of central Taiwan. Meanwhile, two Czech hikers stranded in Taroko Park have been successfully rescued. As of Friday, Kong-rey has weakened to a severe tropical storm after crossing the Taiwan Strait toward China, but the impact of its wrath continues to be felt across Taiwan.
Weather Patterns and Future Outlook
The occurrence of Typhoon Kong-rey so late in the year raises questions about changing weather patterns in the region. Experts are closely monitoring the situation as Taiwan has already experienced two other typhoons this summer, including Typhoon Gaemi, which resulted in significant casualties and damages. As Taiwan begins the recovery process, residents are urged to remain cautious and prepared for any potential aftereffects of the storm.
