Kong-rey Poised for Impact: Taiwan Braces for Super Typhoon’s Wrath

Taiwan is on high alert as Super Typhoon Kong-rey is expected to strike the east coast on Thursday. The island is preparing for a deluge of heavy rain and fierce winds, with warnings issued on Wednesday in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.

The storm, boasting gusts reaching nearly 300 kph, has intensified into a super typhoon. The U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts it will further strengthen before landfall in Taitung county. From there, it is anticipated to traverse southern Taiwan, move into the Taiwan Strait, and continue towards China. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration has declared Kong-rey a ‘strong typhoon,’ marking it as the island’s most formidable storm category.

Up to 1.2 meters of rain could inundate mountainous eastern regions, and damaging winds are forecast for coastal areas. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cautioned residents to avoid mountainous and coastal zones, conveying his message through social media. The defence ministry has readied approximately 36,000 troops to respond across the island. Forecaster Stan Chang noted the rarity of such direct late-year hits, citing favorable conditions like warmer ocean temperatures and delayed cold fronts.

(With inputs from agencies.)