Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, 1 person died, dozens were injured

Kong-rey, a strong typhoon, made landfall on Taiwan’s main island on Thursday afternoon, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said the typhoon moved northwest after reaching the eastern county of Taitung around 1:40 pm local time on Thursday. The storm is expected to pass over Taiwan in the evening and reach the Taiwan Strait.

As the storm approached, the rain and wind intensified. A 56-year-old woman died when a falling tree crushed a small truck in the central district of Nantou, authorities said.

At least 73 people were injured in large areas including Taichung City and Changhua County in central Taiwan.

On Thursday, local authorities in every city and district took precautions, urging people not to go to work or school.

In the northern city of Taipei, bus stops and stations were empty even during morning rush hour.

More than 30 percent of international flights between Taiwan and China were canceled, as well as all flights between Taiwan and other islands.

Meteorological officials are urging citizens to be on high alert as strong winds and heavy rain continue into Friday morning.