Super Typhoon Kong-rey Approaches Taiwan

Super Typhoon Kong-rey is rapidly approaching Taiwan, expected to make landfall on Thursday as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 240 km/h. Authorities have suspended classes and work on outlying islands, while local fishers are securing their boats in anticipation of heavy rains and landslides. The Central Weather Administration warns that areas such as Yilan and Hualien could see rainfall accumulation of up to 1,200 mm, raising concerns about debris flows. This late-season typhoon is considered rare, with the last significant storm of this kind hitting Taiwan in October 2004. While Kong-rey is moving northwest towards Taiwan, its direct impact on Hong Kong is expected to be minimal, remaining over 500 km away. Preparations are underway across Taiwan to mitigate the storm's effects as it draws closer.