Typhoon "Kong-rai" forces massive evacuation of nearly 300,000 in China

In response to Typhoon "Kong-rai," which struck Taiwan recently, authorities in Zhejiang province, eastern China, have organized the evacuation of over 280,000 residents from potentially hazardous coastal areas.

According to a report from the provincial Department of Emergency Situations, evacuation efforts began on October 28, Caliber.Az cites data bu Russian media.

Provincial emergency services have established more than 10,000 safe shelters to protect individuals from heavy rains and strong winds.

"Kong-rai," classified as a tropical storm, approached Zhejiang's coastal areas near the city of Wenzhou, with wind speeds reaching 23 m/s in its central region. The tropical cyclone is moving northeast along the coast and is expected to near Shanghai in the evening, prompting authorities to declare a yellow danger level (the second of four levels, with red being the highest).

In Taiwan, the impact of Typhoon "Kong-rai" resulted in injuries to 205 people and one reported fatality, according to the Central Taiwan News Agency (CNA) citing local disaster response officials. Preventive evacuations have been conducted across 14 counties and cities.

During the storm, winds on the island reached speeds of 44.4 m/s, leading to the evacuation of 11,900 individuals. The typhoon caused significant damage, with over 3,500 reports of destruction, particularly affecting infrastructure in the districts of Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, and Hualian.

Emergency services remain active on the scene, and local government officials are maintaining control of the situation.

Earlier it was reported that “Kong-rai” these days will bring to Shanghai the strongest November downpours since 1981. Local authorities are urging people in coastal areas to take precautions and stay indoors, as well as avoid being near rickety structures. In Shanghai, some educational institutions have put classes online. No information about any emergencies or transportation disruptions has been received so far.

By Tamilla Hasanova