landfall on Taiwan’s southeastern coast
Just hours after Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall on Taiwan’s southeastern coast, the storm left a trail of devastation, impacting nearly every aspect of daily life and infrastructure.
Unprecedented Flooding and Road Blockages
Continuous rainfall caused rivers to overflow and roads to disappear under several feet of water. City centers, particularly in Kaohsiung and Taitung, have become unrecognizable, with some residents stranded on rooftops waiting for assistance. Mudslides have buried portions of mountain highways, cutting off access to remote villages, and forcing emergency responders to mobilize helicopters for rescue operations.
Severe Damage to Residential and Commercial Buildings
Kong-rey’s intense winds battered both residential areas and business districts, stripping away roofs and shattering windows. Businesses along the coast have suffered massive losses, with beachfront properties now heavily damaged or partially submerged. The relentless gusts also caused significant damage to older infrastructure, leaving dozens of buildings uninhabitable.
Power and Utility Outages
As Kong-rey ripped through, it took down countless power lines, plunging thousands of homes into darkness. Repair crews are struggling to restore power due to floodwaters and blocked roads, with some regions expected to remain without electricity for days. Telecommunications have been severely disrupted as cell towers have been damaged, leaving many areas without internet access or mobile service.
Humanitarian Concerns and Rising Health Risks
Hospitals across Taiwan’s affected regions are reporting a surge in storm-related injuries, including trauma from debris and flood-related infections. Temporary shelters are filling up fast, raising health concerns due to overcrowding and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Relief organizations are dispatching food, water, and medical supplies, though distribution has been slowed by ongoing floods and landslides.
Economic Impact
Preliminary estimates suggest Kong-rey’s damage could lead to billions in recovery costs, affecting both Taiwan’s local businesses and international trade routes through affected ports. Agricultural losses are anticipated to be severe, with fields inundated by floodwaters and crops destroyed. The local fishing industry is also facing setbacks as boats have been damaged and access to ports has been disrupted.
