In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood disaster movie, Taiwan finds itself in the crosshairs of a meteorological behemoth. Typhoon Kong-rey, a storm of epic proportions, is barreling towards the island nation, prompting a complete shutdown of schools, businesses, and transportation. As residents brace for impact, authorities warn that this could be the most devastating typhoon to hit Taiwan in nearly three decades.
The Calm Before the Storm
The streets of Taiwan’s cities, normally buzzing with activity, now lie eerily quiet. In the capital city of Taipei, the above-ground metro services have ground to a halt, while financial markets and national parks have shuttered their doors. Schools and businesses across the island have followed suit, as citizens hunker down and prepare for the worst.
A Storm of Historic Proportions
According to the Central Weather Administration (CWA), Typhoon Kong-rey is shaping up to be a storm for the record books. Forecasters predict that it will be the largest typhoon to hit Taiwan since 1996, and the latest in the season to make landfall since 1967. With gusts exceeding 225 km/h and sustained winds of 183 km/h near its center, Kong-rey is a force to be reckoned with.
The size of the storm is very large and the winds are high.
Gene Huang, CWA forecaster
Battening Down the Hatches
As Kong-rey bears down on Taiwan, authorities have sprung into action. More than 8,600 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, while over 30,000 troops stand ready to respond to any emergencies. Hundreds of domestic and international flights have been canceled or rescheduled, and fishing boats and ferries have been recalled to harbor.
On the island of Lanyu, which sits directly in the path of the typhoon, wind barometers recorded sustained winds of over 213 km/h before going offline. Authorities have already issued dozens of landslide warnings and recorded several incidents.
A Deluge of Biblical Proportions
In addition to the ferocious winds, Typhoon Kong-rey is expected to unleash a torrent of rain upon Taiwan. Forecasters predict that some areas could see more than 1.2 meters of rainfall, raising fears of widespread flooding and landslides. Residents have been warned to stay indoors and avoid low-lying areas.
The storm is expected to make landfall near the city of Taitung on Taiwan’s southeastern coast around lunchtime, before crossing the island’s central mountain range and moving into the Taiwan Strait. While weather models suggest that Kong-rey will weaken once it hits land, it is still expected to maintain typhoon strength as it traverses the island.
Echoes of Past Disasters
For many in Taiwan, the specter of Typhoon Kong-rey evokes memories of past storms that have wrought havoc on the island. In 2009, Typhoon Morakot dumped nearly 3 meters of rain on parts of southern Taiwan, triggering massive landslides that claimed hundreds of lives. More recently, in 2016, Super Typhoon Meranti battered the island with winds of up to 370 km/h, causing widespread damage and leaving more than a million homes without power.
As Taiwan braces for the impact of Kong-rey, many are hoping that the lessons learned from these past tragedies will help to mitigate the damage. Emergency services are on high alert, and residents have been urged to take all necessary precautions.
A Test of Resilience
In the face of this looming disaster, the people of Taiwan are drawing upon their renowned resilience and sense of community. Neighbors are checking in on one another, making sure that everyone has the supplies and support they need to weather the storm. On social media, messages of encouragement and solidarity are being shared, as the nation comes together to face this common threat.
We have faced many challenges before, and we will face this one together. Taiwan is strong, and we will overcome this.
A Taipei resident, speaking to local media
As Typhoon Kong-rey bears down on Taiwan, the world watches and waits. In the coming hours and days, the island nation will be tested like never before. But if history is any guide, the indomitable spirit of the Taiwanese people will see them through this crisis, as it has so many times before.
For now, all that remains is to hunker down, stay safe, and pray for the best. The fury of nature is about to be unleashed, and Taiwan stands ready to meet it head-on.
