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Super Typhoon Kong-rey lands in Taiwan -

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. 

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Philippines -

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. 

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Firefighters respond -

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.

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Uprooted trees -

The powerful storm uprooted trees in New Taipei City, crushing cars and blocking roads. 

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Slightly weakened -

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. 

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Dangerous roads -

Dangerous conditions on the roads force motorists to seek help amidst heavy downpours.

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Motorcycle and scooter drivers face risks -

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. 

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Precautions taken -

As a preventative measure, sandbags are placed outside buildings in the coastal region of Hualien.

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Pedestrians struggle -

The strongest storm to have hit Taiwan since 1996, pedestrians struggle to cope with high winds and strong rain in the streets.

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Businesses prepare -

A wet market in Hualien prepares for the potential impact Super Typhoon Kong-Rey will continue to have.

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Warning to stay at home -

The country announced measures to reduce people's movement on the streets, including the closure of many businesses for the day.

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Management of rescue efforts -

Ambulance services, military soldiers, and other resources remain on standby in preparation for potential rescue efforts. 

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Infrastructural damage -

Banqiao Cihui Palace, a famous temple in New Taipei City, faces damage due to heavy rain and strong winds. 

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Transportation shut down -

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.

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Fallen power lines and overturned vehicles -

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.

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Strong measures in place -

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Businesses and schools closed -

In addition to the suspension of transportation networks, businesses and schools have also closed to reduce the risk of injury or death.

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Risk of landslides -

Muddy waters flowing down from surrounding mountains flood Taiwanese villages. The risk of landslides is particularly dangerous for remote communities. 

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Debris in Hualien -

Taiwan braces for impact as Hualien experiences fallen trees, debris, and other destruction. 

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Winds nearly reaching 200 kph (125 mph) -

Winds approaching 200 kph (125 mph) mark the largest storm to hit Taiwan since Typhoon Herb in 1996.

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One dead, at least 73 injured -

So far, the storm has claimed the life of one woman. Over 70 injuries have been reported.

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Climate change -

According to scientists, rising ocean temperatures are driving the intensification of storms across the world.

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Third typhoon -

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.

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Sandbags distributed -

Flash flooding and landslide warnings led the Taitung City government to distribute sandbags to residents. 

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Heavy rains -

Up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) of rainfall is expected throughout eastern Taiwan.

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Avoiding disaster - Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, asked its residents not to engage in dangerous behavior, including wave watching.

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Headed to China -

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.

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Fear after Trami -

There is particular anxiety in the region following the devastation of Tropical Storm Trami in the Philippines.

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Impact unclear -

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)

See also: The world's most devastating tropical storms

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