Typhoon ‘Kong-Re’ may hit at a speed of 300 kilometers

Last Updated on November 1, 2024 9:44 am

Typhoon Kong-Rei could hit Taiwan’s east coast on Thursday, prompting the country’s meteorological department to issue warnings of heavy rain and winds in several parts of the island.

The US Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center said on Wednesday that the storm, with winds of about 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour) at its center, had become a super typhoon. It is expected to intensify before hitting Taitung County.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said that Typhoon Kong-Rei will pass south of the island nation and enter the Taiwan Strait. It will then head towards China.

Typhoon Kong-Rei has been classified as a “strong typhoon” category storm, the strongest storm level in Taiwan.

The government warned that coastal areas in the mountainous eastern Taiwan region could see up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) of rain and gusty winds on Thursday.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te urged people to avoid traveling in mountainous and coastal areas. “I urge my friends in the east, south and north of the country to be vigilant,” he said.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said about 36,000 troops had been deployed across the island as a precaution.

Meanwhile, ferry services to at least 26 outlying islands were suspended for Wednesday, the transport ministry said. Taiwan’s largest domestic carrier, UNI Air, said it had canceled all flights for Thursday.