Typhoon Kong-rey Rocks Taiwan: Largest Storm in Decades Strikes Hard

Typhoon Kong-rey struck Taiwan's east coast, causing significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and power outages affecting half a million homes. Despite weakening overnight, it brought torrential rain and destructive winds, with emergency response teams on high alert. Taiwan Semiconductor and other sectors implemented preparedness measures, minimizing operational impacts.

On Thursday, Typhoon Kong-rey battered Taiwan's east coast, marking the largest storm to hit the island in nearly three decades. As a result, financial markets were closed, hundreds of flights were cancelled, and rail services significantly reduced. The government reported almost half a million homes were left without power.

Hitting Taitung county, the storm brought strong winds and torrential rain across Taiwan. Tragically, one person died when a tree fell on their truck. At its peak, Kong-rey was a super typhoon but weakened slightly, yet maintained a powerful Category 4 status with gusts surpassing 250 kph (155 mph).

Amid concerns over potential disasters, President Lai Ching-te urged cooperation and caution. While environmental officials tackled oil spill risks from a stranded ship, warnings for winds over 160 kph (100 mph) were issued in Taitung. Extensive rains resulted in 36,000 troops on standby and nearly 10,000 residents evacuated from unsafe areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)