KEELUNG, Taiwan — Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-rey) made landfall in Taiwan on Thursday, bringing towering 10-meter waves, severe flooding, and heavy winds in what officials say is one of the largest storms to strike the island in nearly 30 years.
According to the Central Weather Administration, Kong-rey hit the eastern coast of Taiwan Thursday afternoon with maximum sustained winds of 184 kilometers per hour (114 miles per hour), comparable in strength to Typhoon Gaemi, which struck earlier this year.
However, with a radius of 320 kilometers, Kong-rey stands as the largest storm to impact Taiwan in almost three decades.
Climate scientists have cautioned that global warming is intensifying the strength of storms, resulting in heavier rain, more flash floods, and more powerful winds.
“Its impact on all of Taiwan will be quite severe,” said Chu Mei-lin of the Central Weather Administration.
In preparation, all work and school activities across Taiwan were suspended Thursday as residents braced for the storm’s effects. One fatality was reported after a tree fell on a vehicle in Nantou County, while 73 others have sustained injuries.
“This typhoon feels very strong,” shared Kevin Lin, a 52-year-old office worker, adding, “I’m used to many typhoons in Taiwan, so I don’t feel scared.”
After the typhoon’s eye passed, wind and rain grew stronger, said a fire department official, with widespread reports of downed power lines and trees in coastal towns.
In Hualien County, the flooding was “very serious,” according to Hualien fire department chief Wang Ming-chung, with ongoing rescue and evacuation operations.
“We are also handling incidents of fallen signboards and trees blocking roads,” Wang stated.
Kong-rey is anticipated to weaken as it crosses Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, exiting into the Taiwan Strait by Thursday evening. However, Chu cautioned that the storm would continue to impact the island into early Friday.
Taipei streets were nearly empty as heavy rains and fierce winds struck the capital. Nationwide, nearly 35,000 troops were prepared to assist with emergency relief.
At least four mudslides have already been reported, according to the National Fire Agency.
Rescue workers were able to contact two Czech tourists who were reported missing Wednesday while hiking in Taroko Gorge, Hualien. They were found sheltering in the mountains.
More than 400 domestic and international flights have been cancelled, ferry services are on hold, and power outages have impacted nearly 100,000 households.
Taiwan’s major tech company, TSMC, confirmed that it activated standard typhoon preparedness at its production sites and does not expect significant disruptions.
Forecasters warn that some eastern coastal areas could receive over a meter of rainfall by Friday, increasing the risk of landslides.
Evacuations have been ordered for 8,600 residents in high-risk areas, including Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung, as reported by the National Fire Agency.
President Lai Ching-te advised residents to avoid “dangerous behavior” such as beach visits to observe the waves.
Kong-rey is the third typhoon to affect Taiwan since July. Earlier storms, Gaemi and Krathon, resulted in fatalities, injuries, and widespread damage across the island.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 2 remains raised over northern Batanes, while Signal No. 1 is in effect for Babuyan Islands, parts of mainland Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte.
As of 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Leon was located 320 km north-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, with winds of 155 kph near the center and gusts reaching 255 kph. The storm is expected to weaken and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday night or early Friday.