Massive storm strikes Taiwan: Typhoon Kong-rey causes destruction, fatalities, and chaos

Taiwan has faced unparalleled devastation as Typhoon Kong-rey made a forceful landfall, marking the strongest storm to hit the nation in over 27 years. The storm, categorized as a Category 3-equivalent typhoon, slammed into Taitung and Hualien counties on October 31, 2024, unleashing relentless rain and wind with gusts that exceeded 130 mph. The typhoon, the largest since 1996’s Typhoon Herb, left one confirmed dead, numerous injured, and thousands impacted by severe flooding and infrastructure damage.

The Central Weather Administration highlighted that Kong-rey’s late-season strength was intensified by warmer Pacific sea temperatures and unusual meteorological patterns. Heavy rain swept through the island, causing rivers to overflow and streets to submerge, turning urban areas into temporary lakes. The storm prompted emergency measures, halting schools and businesses across multiple counties, including Taitung, Pingtung, and Hualien. Railways, especially the Taiwan Railways Administration’s North and South Link lines, suspended operations, while the Alishan Forest Railway shut down for safety.

Infrastructure chaos and transportation paralysis

The storm’s arrival paralyzed transportation nationwide. Over 22 domestic flights were cancelled as major airlines, including China Airlines and Starlux Airlines, grappled with disrupted operations. Ferry services linking Taiwan’s main island to outlying regions were also suspended, leaving hundreds stranded.

Military forces, numbering over 36,000 personnel, were swiftly deployed for evacuation assistance and disaster relief. President William Lai urged the public to remain vigilant as the typhoon continued to impact central and southern Taiwan with torrential downpours. Lai underscored the rarity of a typhoon of this magnitude striking so late in the year, emphasizing that continued vigilance was necessary.

Resilience tested: Expert insights on typhoon preparedness

Meteorological experts described the event as an unusual convergence of atmospheric factors. Chang Chun-yao of the Central Weather Administration noted that Kong-rey’s 320-kilometer-wide band of maximum wind posed a unique challenge to disaster management, surpassing previous typhoons in sheer size. This expansive reach compounded Taiwan’s vulnerability, pushing emergency resources to the limit.

Disaster management consultant Lin Wei commented that the storm highlighted both Taiwan’s advancements and gaps in emergency infrastructure. Lin pointed out that while early warnings and evacuations were effectively communicated, the sheer intensity of the storm pushed urban flood defenses to their limits.

Continued impact and recovery outlook

As Kong-rey moved into the Taiwan Strait, it weakened but left a trail of destruction that will require extensive recovery efforts. With significant damage to homes, roadways, and public infrastructure, officials are working around the clock to assess losses and expedite recovery operations. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is coordinating with regional authorities to resume services and clear flood-affected routes.

Taiwan’s resilience has been repeatedly tested by severe weather, but experts assert that Kong-rey’s unprecedented force underscores the need for even more robust climate adaptation strategies. While the storm has now shifted direction, potentially impacting southern Japan, its aftereffects in Taiwan remain significant, marking a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.