Taiwan Prepares for Shutdown Amid Typhoon Kong-rey

Taiwan prepared for a significant shutdown ahead of the impending Typhoon Kong-rey on Thursday, October 31, forcing all cities and counties to declare a day off. This drastic measure saw financial markets closed and hundreds of flights canceled as the island faced what experts predict will be the largest storm in size to hit Taiwan in three decades.

According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, Typhoon Kong-rey, once classified as a super typhoon, is expected to make landfall on the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast around 2 PM local time (0600 GMT). The storm, while slightly weakened, remains formidable, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane with winds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour (kph).

What's Behind the Storm?

Meteorologists have classified Kong-rey as a "strong typhoon," which is the highest storm level for Taiwan. With its sheer size, Kong-rey is projected to affect almost all areas of the island, with particularly severe impacts anticipated in eastern Taiwan. Notably, Taitung County has been issued warnings for destructive winds surpassing 160 kph, and Lanyu Island recorded gusts of over 260 kph before wind instruments went offline—a concerning indication of the storm's strength.

In terms of rainfall, forecasts predict up to 1.2 meters in some eastern regions, leading to fears of flooding and landslides. The government has mobilized 36,000 troops in readiness for rescue operations, and 1,300 people have already been evacuated from high-risk zones.

Impact on Industry and Transport

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a major player in the global chip market and a key supplier to tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, reported that it activated typhoon alert procedures at all its facilities. Thankfully, the company stated it does not anticipate significant disruptions to its operations.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's transportation sector has seen severe disruptions, with 298 international flights canceled alongside all domestic flights. Ferries connecting to outlying islands have also halted service. However, Taiwan's high-speed railway, which serves key urban areas, continues operations albeit at a much-reduced frequency.

Warnings Issued

Authorities have urged the public to remain indoors, steering clear of mountainous terrains and coastal areas, where the storm's impact will be most pronounced. As Kong-rey tracks toward China’s Fujian province, expected landfall on Friday morning adds urgency to safety measures in place.

Taiwan is no stranger to typhoons; its subtropical climate means that severe storms are part of life. Just weeks prior, Typhoon Krathon struck the island, resulting in four fatalities while traversing southern Taiwan.

With Typhoon Kong-rey on the brink of impacting millions, the government, businesses, and citizens are bracing for what may be a historic weather event. Stay tuned for updates as this powerful storm approaches!