Typhoon Leon, the biggest storm to hit Taiwan in nearly 30 years, crashed into Taiwan’s east coast on Thursday, causing massive shutdowns and major disruptions. Schools, businesses, and even financial markets are closed as the typhoon brings fierce winds and heavy rain across the island.
Leon has knocked out power for almost half a million homes, and over 300 international flights have been canceled. Train services were also scaled back for safety.
Sadly, one person died in central Taiwan when their truck hit a fallen tree during the storm. President Lai Ching-te has urged everyone to avoid risky activities, like going near big waves, as Typhoon Leon’s winds are still extremely dangerous, reaching over 250 kph (155 mph), making it one of the strongest storms Taiwan has seen since 1996.
In Taiwan’s northern areas, officials are also dealing with an oil spill from a stranded cargo ship that lost control in rough seas. To help keep everyone safe, Taiwan’s army has put 36,000 troops on standby and evacuated nearly 10,000 people from high-risk zones. Over on Lanyu Island, people reported heavy damage to roofs and power outages affecting more than 1,300 homes.
In addition, Taiwan’s biggest tech company, TSMC, has activated emergency plans to keep their operations safe during the storm, saying they don’t expect serious impacts.
As the storm moves toward the Taiwan Strait, it is expected to weaken. However, officials are asking people to stay indoors until it passes.
