Tropical Storm Kong-rey Weakens but Threatens Shanghai and Eastern China
Tropical Storm Kong-rey has weakened from typhoon status, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to Shanghai and China’s eastern coast following a destructive path through Taiwan. The storm is projected to make landfall in Zhejiang province, prompting ferry service suspensions and raising concerns about potential flooding and damage.
Tropical Storm Kong-rey has diminished in intensity after making landfall in Taiwan, where it caused significant destruction, resulting in the loss of two lives and over 500 injuries. On Friday, the storm is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Shanghai and various regions along China’s eastern coast. The National Meteorological Center has indicated that Kong-rey is progressing northeastward, with expectations of landfall in Zhejiang province later in the afternoon, before potentially moving back towards the ocean. The storm is predicted to unleash torrential rainfall amounts ranging from 10 to 12 centimeters (equivalent to 4 to 5 inches) in affected areas. In preparation for the storm’s arrival, several ferry routes were suspended in Zhejiang and the neighboring Fujian province. While light rain reported in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, signifies the storm’s decline in that region, public services have mostly returned to normal. The typhoon had previously traversed the north of the Philippines, prompting additional evacuations after Tropical Storm Trami had already caused the tragic loss of 145 lives the prior week. Furthermore, intense rainfall associated with Trami resulted in seven fatalities in China’s Hainan province as the storm affected the resort-rich island located off the southern coastline of the country.
Tropical Storm Kong-rey, named after a Cambodian word, originally manifested as a typhoon which crossed through Taiwan and brings forth severe weather conditions. The storm led to infrastructure disruption, including landslides and fallen trees, affecting the local populace significantly. Taiwan’s emergency services have worked diligently to restore communications and ensure the safety of individuals who were at risk. The impending threat of Kong-rey now challenges the eastern coastal regions of China, raising concerns regarding potential flooding and damage to structures as it makes its way towards Shanghai and Zhejiang province. This event follows closely on the heels of Tropical Storm Trami, which had previously wreaked havoc in the region, further stressing the importance of timely weather warnings and preparedness.
In summary, Tropical Storm Kong-rey has transitioned from a typhoon to a tropical storm, causing considerable damage in Taiwan and now threatening Shanghai and eastern China with severe weather. With the storm expected to bring heavy rainfall and winds, authorities are taking precautions to mitigate impacts. Historical context reveals ongoing challenges in the region due to recent severe storms, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and preparedness against natural disasters.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
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