Tropical Storm Kong-rey Approaches Shanghai After Devastation in Taiwan
Tropical Storm Kong-rey, which weakened from a typhoon, is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to Shanghai and China’s east coast. After impacting Taiwan, where it caused fatalities and injuries, the storm is forecasted to make landfall in Zhejiang province and affect multiple regions, inciting precautionary measures such as ferry route suspensions.
Tropical Storm Kong-rey has transitioned from a former typhoon status and is now projected to deliver significant rainfall and strong winds to Shanghai as well as other regions along China’s eastern coastline on Friday. Following its passage over Taiwan on Thursday at typhoon strength, Kong-rey resulted in downed trees and landslides, leading to damage to roads and infrastructure. Tragically, two fatalities were reported along with over 500 injuries attributed to the storm. Authorities in Hualien province of Taiwan have confirmed that contact has been restored with a Czech couple previously reported missing; they had been camping at Taroko National Park and are in safe condition. As the storm progresses northeastward along the Chinese coast, it is forecasted to make landfall in Zhejiang province by Friday afternoon before drifting back out to sea. The National Meteorological Center anticipates that regions in Shanghai and parts of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces may experience torrential downpours, with rainfall amounts forecasted to range from 10 to 12 centimeters (approximately 4 to 5 inches). In anticipation of the storm’s impact, multiple ferry routes in Zhejiang and its neighbouring Fujian province have been suspended. In Taiwan, although light rainfall fell in Taipei on Friday morning, schools and offices are largely operational, and public services have nearly resumed to normal. It is pertinent to note that earlier this week, Kong-rey passed north of the Philippines, which had just undergone evacuations due to the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Trami that claimed the lives of at least 145 individuals the preceding week. Furthermore, the resultant heavy rainfall from Trami had also led to seven fatalities in China’s Hainan province as the storm passed close to the island, renowned for its resort destinations along the southern coastline.
The current threat from Tropical Storm Kong-rey escalates following its transformation from a typhoon status. It is a significant meteorological event affecting Taiwan and is now poised to impact eastern China, particularly Shanghai and its neighboring provinces. The storm has had severe consequences in Taiwan, prompting emergency responses due to landslides and injuries sustained. The ongoing situation warrants attention due to the storm’s potential to inflict further damage and cause additional emergencies across affected areas, reminiscent of the recent fatalities associated with Tropical Storm Trami.
In summary, Tropical Storm Kong-rey poses a substantial risk to Shanghai and the eastern coastline of China after causing damage in Taiwan. The storm’s progression has resulted in casualties and disruptions, leading to preventive measures being employed in anticipation of severe weather. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation as affected regions brace for the anticipated heavy rains and winds, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance in the face of natural disasters.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
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