Super Typhoon Kong-rey Strikes Taiwan

Taiwan is bracing for Super Typhoon Kong-rey, expected to make landfall on Thursday as the largest storm to hit the island in nearly 30 years. The typhoon has winds up to 186 mph, prompting Taiwan to shut schools, offices, and financial markets, and cancel flights. Up to 1.2 meters of rain is anticipated in eastern Taiwan, with the government evacuating 4,500 people from high-risk areas and putting 36,000 troops on standby. The storm is projected to weaken as it crosses the island's central region but is likely to remain a typhoon as it moves toward southern Japan and China. The Taiwan Coast Guard has already conducted rescue operations as the typhoon impacts the region.