By Reuters – published by CNA and CNN
Taipei – Taiwan shut down ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey today (Oct. 31) with all cities and counties declaring a day off, financial markets closed and domestic flights cancelled for what is expected to be the largest storm by size in 30 years.
The storm is forecast to make landfall on the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast around midday (0400 GMT), according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, with strong winds and torrential rain affecting almost all the island.
Up to 1.2m of rainfall is expected in eastern Taiwan with destructive winds along coastal areas, according to the administration.
The defence ministry has put 36,000 troops on standby to help with rescue efforts while 4,500 people have been evacuated from high risk areas ahead of time, the government said.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, the world’s largest contract chipmaker and major supplier to companies like Apple and Nvidia, said that it has activated routine typhoon alert preparation procedures at all its factories and construction sites.
“We do not expect a significant impact to our operations,” it said in an emailed statement.
The government has warned people to stay away from the mountains and the coast.
Kong-rey is forecast to weaken as it crosses the central part of Taiwan then moves into the Taiwan Strait and graze China on Friday morning.
Subtropical Taiwan is frequently hit by typhoons. The last one, Typhoon Krathon, killed four people earlier this month as it passed through the south of the island.
In recent days, northern parts of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon have been lashed by the outer bands of Kong-rey, known locally as Leon, as authorities ordered evacuations and warned of its impacts after already seeing devastation last week from Tropical Storm Trami, known as Kristine, which killed at least 130 people.
As of Wednesday morning, Kong-rey continued to skirt the island’s north as it moved towards Taiwan.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Strong waves break along the coast as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches Taiwan, in Yilan County on Oct 30. 2024. Photo: AFP/I-Hwa Cheng and published by CNA
Insert: A fisherman secures a boat as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches Taiwan, in Yilan County on Oct, 30, 2024. Photo: AFP/I-Hwa Cheng and published by CNA
Front Page: People ride scooters in heavy rain as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches Taiwan, in Yilan County on Oct. 30, 2024. Photo: AFP/I-Hwa Cheng and published by CNA
Also read: Democrat MP’s daughter conned by call scam into transferring cash
PM urged to not compromise over Koh Kood island
Thailand’s Shia leader calls for probe of airport police after students allegedly ‘threatened’
Thaksin no longer happy-go-lucky power player
House passes draft bill prohibiting smacking children
Myanmar beauty’s 2nd runner-up title revoked after ruckus
