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Super Typhoon Kong-rey lands in Taiwan on October 31, 2024. Torrential rain and powerful winds mark one of the most powerful storms to have hit the island in decades.
The storm hit Taiwan after making its way through the Philippines, where thousands were forced to evacuate and at least 145 people lost their lives.
The Hualien County Fire Department responded to a number of incidents in Hualien County, including roofs that had blown away due to the strong winds that accompanied Super Typhoon Kong-rey's arrival.
The powerful storm uprooted trees in New Taipei City, crushing cars and blocking roads.
The storm weakened slightly before hitting Taiwan, but heavy rains and flash floods still required a significant government response to reduce the risk to its population.
Dangerous conditions on the roads force motorists to seek help amidst heavy downpours.
Some motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles as heavy rain and winds made roads unpredictable and dangerous, particularly for those on motorcycles and scooters.
As a preventative measure, sandbags are placed outside buildings in the coastal region of Hualien.
The strongest storm to have hit Taiwan since 1996, pedestrians struggle to cope with high winds and strong rain in the streets.
A wet market in Hualien prepares for the potential impact Super Typhoon Kong-Rey will continue to have.
The country announced measures to reduce people's movement on the streets, including the closure of many businesses for the day.
Ambulance services, military soldiers, and other resources remain on standby in preparation for potential rescue efforts.
Banqiao Cihui Palace, a famous temple in New Taipei City, faces damage due to heavy rain and strong winds.
International and domestic transportation have been shut down to avoid placing people at risk. Pictured is a disabled pedestrian struggling to cope with the severe weather conditions on the street.
Authorities remain on standby, ready to respond to any destruction that may take place. Pictured is response efforts by Ji'an police following overturned vehicles, uprooted trees, and fallen power lines.
While the government is unable to prevent the destruction of infrastructure due to weather conditions, historically, Taiwan has consistently put strong measures in place to respond to dangerous weather conditions.
In addition to the suspension of transportation networks, businesses and schools have also closed to reduce the risk of injury or death.
Muddy waters flowing down from surrounding mountains flood Taiwanese villages. The risk of landslides is particularly dangerous for remote communities.
Taiwan braces for impact as Hualien experiences fallen trees, debris, and other destruction.
Winds approaching 200 kph (125 mph) mark the largest storm to hit Taiwan since Typhoon Herb in 1996.
So far, the storm has claimed the life of one woman. Over 70 injuries have been reported.
According to scientists, rising ocean temperatures are driving the intensification of storms across the world.
This is the third typhoon that Taiwan has experienced this year alone. Typhoon Krathon claimed the lives of four people, while Typhoon Gaemi killed 10. Hundreds of injuries accompanied both previous typhoons.
Flash flooding and landslide warnings led the Taitung City government to distribute sandbags to residents.
Up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) of rainfall is expected throughout eastern Taiwan.
Super Typhoon Kong-rey is forecast to hit China on November 1st, 2024. Shanghai in particular is preparing for the heaviest rains in several decades.
There is particular anxiety in the region following the devastation of Tropical Storm Trami in the Philippines.
Taiwan's residents have been warned to closely follow all official announcements and advisories released by the government. The severity of the storm will leave Taiwan vulnerable for days, although the extent of the damage is still to be determined.
Sources: (CNN) (Reuters) (DW) (Taipei Times) (The Washington Post)
A devastating storm is blasting through Taiwan, killing at least one person so far and injuring dozens. Winds close to 200km per hour (125 mph) and heavy rain equivalent to a Category 3 Atlantic hurricane have forced residents on the island to brace for the worst. Thousands have been evacuated, and rescue efforts are on standby as the country seeks to reduce risk as much as possible.
Curious to know more? Click through the gallery for a look at the impact of Typhoon Kong-rey so far.
Typhoon Kong-rey slams Taiwan with furious winds and flooding
Another wave of extreme weather and destruction strikes the region
LIFESTYLE Breaking news
A devastating storm is blasting through Taiwan, killing at least one person so far and injuring dozens. Winds close to 200km per hour (125 mph) and heavy rain equivalent to a Category 3 Atlantic hurricane have forced residents on the island to brace for the worst. Thousands have been evacuated, and rescue efforts are on standby as the country seeks to reduce risk as much as possible.
Curious to know more? Click through the gallery for a look at the impact of Typhoon Kong-rey so far.