(CLO) Taiwan (China) has shut down as super typhoon Kong-rey is expected to make landfall this afternoon (October 31), with all cities and counties declaring a holiday, financial markets shutting down and flights canceled.
The storm, which is predicted to be the largest in 30 years, is expected to make landfall on the island's east coast around 2 p.m. local time Thursday, with strong winds and torrential rain expected to affect most of the island, according to Taiwan's Meteorological Administration.
According to Tropical Storm Risk, super typhoon Kong-rey weakened slightly overnight but is still as strong as a Category 4 storm with wind gusts of more than 250 km/h.
Satellite image of Typhoon Kong-rey on Tuesday. Photo: Windy
Taiwan's weather bureau has issued the strongest typhoon warning for Kong-rey, adding that it would be the strongest storm to hit the island since 1996.
A warning for winds of more than 160 km/h was issued in Taitung County, while nearby Lanyu Island recorded gusts of over 260 km/h, forcing some anemometers there to stop working.
Up to 1.2 meters of rain is expected in eastern Taiwan, with strong winds causing damage along coastal areas, according to authorities.
Taiwan's military has deployed 36,000 troops to assist in rescue efforts while 1,300 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas ahead of schedule, according to the Taiwanese government.
Huge waves crash onto the coast of Yilan County as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches Taiwan, China, on October 30, 2024. Photo: Getty
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, said it had activated routine typhoon warning preparations at all its factories and construction sites.
Taiwan's high-speed rail continues to operate but with significantly reduced service. Authorities have warned people to stay away from mountains and the coast.
Typhoon Kong-rey is expected to weaken further as it moves into central Taiwan and into the Taiwan Strait and across mainland China by Friday morning. The last typhoon to hit Taiwan, Typhoon Krathon, killed four people earlier this month.
Bui Huy (according to Taiwan News, Reuters, AP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/dai-loan-trung-quoc-chuan-bi-ung-pho-voi-sieu-bao-kong-rey-lon-nhat-trong-30-nam-post319245.html
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