Typhoon Kong-rey made a formidable entrance on Taiwan's east coast on October 31, marking its presence as the largest storm to hit the island in nearly three decades. This powerful typhoon led to the closure of financial markets, the cancellation of 314 international, and all domestic flights, and significant disruptions to rail services.

With nearly half a million households plunged into darkness, the impact of Kong-rey has been severe, as reported by Reuters. 

Despite a slight weakening overnight, Kong-rey retained its formidable strength, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, with gusts exceeding 250 km per hour. The storm initially struck Taitung County, a region known for its mountainous terrain and sparse population, but soon unleashed its wrath across nearly all of Taiwan. As the storm moved inland, officials recorded staggering rainfall totals, with parts of eastern Taiwan receiving up to one metre since the storm's approach on October 29.

The damage has been extensive; one confirmed fatality occurred when a truck collided with a fallen tree in central Taiwan, while numerous roofs sustained damage and over 1,300 homes lost power. The high-speed railway, which typically serves as a lifeline for commuting between major cities on the island's western plains, was operating at significantly reduced capacity, complicating travel for those caught in the storm’s wake.

In a bid to ensure public safety, Taiwan's defence ministry has placed 36,000 troops on standby for rescue operations, and 10,000 residents from high-risk areas were evacuated ahead of the storm's landfall. Environmental officials have also been mobilised to mitigate potential disasters, such as preventing oil spills from a cargo ship that ran aground on Taiwan’s northern coast due to the tempestuous conditions.

As Kong-rey progresses toward the Taiwan Strait, forecasters warn of the ongoing dangers from strong winds. Gene Huang, an administration forecaster, urged residents to remain indoors for their safety. The typhoon is projected to graze the Chinese coast along Fujian, raising concerns in cities like Shanghai, which is bracing for what could be the most intense rainfall seen in over 40 years.

The ramifications of Typhoon Kong-rey extend beyond immediate destruction, posing significant challenges to Taiwan's infrastructure and raising concerns about long-term recovery efforts. As communities begin to assess the damage, the island faces a daunting task ahead.