Taiwan shuts down for arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey

Fishermen secure their boats ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Kong-rey at Pa-tou-tzu fishing harbor in Keelung in northeastern Taiwan on Oct. 30, 2024. Photo AP

Taiwan shut down ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey on Thursday with all cities and counties declaring a day off, financial markets closed and domestic flights canceled 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.

Kong-rey's winds were sustaining maximum speeds of more than 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour as it approached Taiwan, the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center said, AFP reported.

Up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) of rainfall is expected in eastern Taiwan with destructive winds along coastal areas, according to the administration.

The defense 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 2330.TW, 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 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 move 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.

Source: Vnexpress