Typhoon Kong-rey: Taiwan Battens Down Hatches Amidst Torrential Storms

A powerful Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, causing school and office closures, flight cancellations, and widespread evacuations. The storm, with winds at 184 km/h, brought floods to eastern regions. Although damage was minimal, authorities reported 27 injuries and advised travelers to stay put for safety.

Schools and offices across Taiwan are shuttered as the powerful Typhoon Kong-rey makes its daunting landfall, hammering the island with intense winds and significant flooding, leading to suspended flights and trains, and forcing 8,600 individuals into shelters.

With wind speeds recorded at 184 km/h, and gusts hitting 227 km/h, the typhoon is wreaking havoc predominantly in the eastern county of Taitung, while heavy rains flood areas of Yilan and Hualien Counties. Precautionary measures by farmers have mitigated crop damage.

The storm has not resulted in any fatalities, but 27 have been reported injured. Officials are in a scramble to contact Czech nationals reportedly hiking in Hualien's Tarako National Park. Meanwhile, China's reduced military presence around Taiwan marks a notable diplomatic response.

(With inputs from agencies.)