Typhoon Kong-rey Strikes: Taiwan on Lockdown

A powerful Typhoon Kong-rey caused the closure of schools and offices in Taiwan, disrupting flights and trains and leading to the relocation of 8,600 people. Despite 27 minor injuries and search efforts for missing Czech tourists, the island has reported no major damage or fatalities.

A formidable Typhoon Kong-rey forced Taiwan to shutter schools and offices on Thursday as it unleashed strong winds and flooding across the east coast and northern areas. Significant disruptions included halted flights and train services, with 8,600 residents seeking refuge in shelters due to the approaching storm.

Typhoon Kong-rey, hitting speeds of 184 km per hour with gusts reaching 227 km per hour, swept over Taitung County. In provinces where heavy rains caused inundation, proactive local farmers had already harvested crops to mitigate potential losses.

Though Taiwan has not reported any fatalities or major property damage, the storm resulted in 27 injuries. Authorities undertook efforts to establish contact with missing Czech hikers in Hualien's Tarako National Park. A tugboat responded to a distress call from an abandoned Chinese freighter amid turbulent northern waters.

(With inputs from agencies.)