Super typhoon Kong-rey made landfall on the east coast of China’s Taiwan on October 31 as a strong or super typhoon, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).
It approached the coastal areas of Zhejiang and Fujian, gradually turning northeast. Forecasts by the NMC indicate that Kong-rey will bring strong winds and heavy rains to southeastern coastal areas.
From October 30 to November 1, heavy to torrential rains are expected to hit China’s Taiwan, eastern and northern Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and southern Jiangsu.
Some areas may experience extremely heavy rainfall.
Areas in Fujian and Zhejiang will see their heaviest rainfall from October 31 to November 1. Typhoons formed between September and November are meteorologically classified as “autumn typhoons.”
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-10-31/Super-Typhoon-Kong-rey-brings-heavy-rainfall-to-E-China-1y9tIynVZ4I/img/d039c981a1d54dd5b63cd613fc0041bf/d039c981a1d54dd5b63cd613fc0041bf.png' alt='Typhoon Kong-rey hits Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province, October 31, 2024. /CFP'
According to the NMC, 17 typhoons have made landfall in China during the same period (October 15 to November 15) since data first started being recorded.
Speaking at a press briefing, Sun Jun, the chief forecaster with the NMC, said that while typhoons landing in South China during late October and early November are not uncommon, it is rare for a typhoon to make landfall on the southeastern coast during this period. The intensity of the rainfall brought by the typhoon is also unusually high for this time of year, with eastern coastal areas of China likely to experience particularly high levels of precipitation.
Meteorological experts also advise residents in China’s Taiwan, Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Jiangsu to closely monitor the latest typhoon updates and warnings issued by local meteorological departments.
They have urged the public to avoid going out during peak rainfall periods and to stay away from dangerous areas such as beaches, river valleys, and mountainous regions.
Residents are advised to also ensure windows and doors are securely closed.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources has also issued a notice to water resource departments in potentially affected provinces and municipalities, urging them to ensure the safety of small and medium-sized reservoirs, particularly those in poor condition, and to prepare for potential flooding in small and medium-sized rivers, as well as in urban areas.
