Janice R. Andrews
Taiwan’s authorities have activated emergency protocols as Typhoon Kong-rey gathers strength, with potential landfall expected between late Wednesday and early Thursday. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued widespread alerts, with the storm system forecast to bring winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour.
At a recent press briefing, CWA meteorologist Lin Po-tung cautioned about severe maritime conditions, with waves predicted to reach heights of five to six meters on Wednesday. The capital city, Taipei, is also preparing for significant rainfall as the typhoon nears.
Southeastern regions, particularly Taitung County, are implementing extensive precautions. Local authorities have halted ferry operations to outlying islands and urged fishing vessels to seek harbor. In Hualien, still recovering from recent seismic activity, emergency response teams remain ready with supplies and evacuation equipment.
The approaching storm adds to Taiwan’s challenging typhoon season, which typically runs from July to October. Climate scientists have linked rising global temperatures to more intense tropical storms in the region, resulting in heavier precipitation, flooding, and stronger winds. Recent examples include July’s Typhoon Gaemi, which claimed ten lives and caused extensive flooding in Kaohsiung, and October’s Typhoon Krathon, which triggered deadly mudslides across multiple regions.
Preventive measures continue, with the Water Resources Agency conducting river maintenance to minimize flooding potential.
