Taiwan: 1 Dead, 73 Injured from Typhoon 'Kong-rey'... Warnings Issued for Southern Korea and Jeju

Taiwan Suffers Extensive Damage from Strong Winds and Heavy Rain
Ministry of the Interior Issues Warning in Preparation for Typhoon Kong-rey

The 21st typhoon of the season, 'Kong-rey,' has made landfall in Taiwan and is intensifying. On the 31st of last month (local time), foreign media including AFP reported that Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taiwan accompanied by strong winds reaching up to 227 km/h. Taiwanese authorities announced that as of noon that day, one person had died and 73 were injured due to the typhoon. The deceased was a 56-year-old woman who lost her life when a tree toppled by the strong winds fell onto the vehicle she was in.

Typhoon No. 21 'Kong-rey' is making landfall in Taiwan and intensifying. On the 31st of last month (local time), AFP and other foreign media reported that Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taiwan with strong winds reaching up to 227 km/h.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, suffered significant damage from strong winds and heavy rain, leading to widespread closures. Offices and schools across Taiwan were shut down. Towboats were dispatched to the northern coast to tow a Chinese-registered cargo ship. The cargo ship was wrecked, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel and evacuate. The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources also reported that Kong-rey is moving northwest as a super typhoon and is expected to approach southeastern China via Taiwan's eastern coast. Although the typhoon is expected to weaken as it passes Taiwan, it is likely to have indirect effects on Korea, so preparations are necessary.

The Korea Meteorological Administration stated that the possibility of Kong-rey making landfall on the Korean Peninsula is low, but strong winds and heavy rain are expected mainly in the southern regions and Jeju Island between Friday and Saturday. In particular, the southern regions should be cautious of heavy rainfall caused by the rain clouds left by the typhoon. Accordingly, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety held a countermeasure meeting chaired by the Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters to prepare for Kong-rey’s northward movement, urging local governments and related agencies to thoroughly prevent safety accidents during festivals and events.

In high-risk areas, prompt postponement of schedules and preventive measures to protect lives are recommended, along with proactive responses such as regular maintenance of drainage facilities clogged with fallen leaves and blocking access to underground passages. A Ministry of the Interior and Safety official stated, "During the expected time of the typhoon’s impact, we ask the public to refrain from going out and to frequently check weather information to ensure safety."