The typhoon hit the southeast of the island around 1:40 p.m. local time, where many people had already been evacuated. What will be the consequences of this disaster for the remaining inhabitants?
Tl;dr
- Powerful Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, killing one person and injuring 73.
- Schools and offices were closed to anticipate the storm.
- The authorities prepared emergency services and carried out evacuations.
Typhoon Kong-rey hits Taiwan
Typhoon Kong-rey, one of the most powerful the island has experienced in recent years, hit Taiwan at midday, killing one and injuring 73 people, according to an initial report from local authorities.
A storm of exceptional intensity
Accompanied by gusts reaching 184 km/h and torrential rains, the typhoon made landfall in the southeast of the island, a less populated region already struggling with the monsoon. The victim is a 56-year-old woman who died after an uprooted tree fell on her vehicle.
Preparations in advance to face the storm
The authorities had anticipated the arrival of this storm of rare intensity. “Waves ten meters high were observed”reveals the National Fire Agency. Schools and offices were closed across the country to allow residents to prepare for the typhoon. In addition, nearly 35,000 soldiers are ready to participate in relief operations.
An unusual typhoon for the season
According to meteorologist Chang Chun-yao, it is “unusual for such a powerful typhoon to hit the island this late in the year”. Taiwan, accustomed to tropical storms between July and October, is now facing one of the most widespread typhoons to make landfall in nearly 30 years.
