Taiwan is back to work today, clearing up after Typhoon Kong-rey roared through, leaving behind damage and sadly causing two deaths.
Kong-rey hit Taiwan’s east coast hard on Thursday, marking the biggest storm in nearly 30 years. Strong winds and rain pounded through central Taiwan before the storm crossed into the Taiwan Strait, heading toward China’s coast. The fire department reported two deaths and over 500 injuries, as falling trees and poles proved dangerous.
Taiwan saw nearly 4 feet of rain in the mountains and wind gusts in Taipei reached 80 mph. The storm left over 2,000 trees and hundreds of street signs down, blocking roads and delaying transport.
President Lai Ching-te advised people to remain alert for any aftereffects, especially in the mountains and on Taiwan’s Matsu islands off China’s coast. “Please be cautious of possible heavy rain,” he posted on Facebook.
Flights were affected, with 58 international and 139 domestic flights canceled. By Friday, high-speed rail was back to normal, although parts of Taiwan continued to expect rain.
Kong-rey’s winds and rain will likely brush China’s Fujian Province but are expected to veer back toward open sea, headed for Japan.
