Typhoon Kong-rey has moved off the main island of Taiwan, but not without causing considerable damage. The Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) reported that as of 7 a.m. on Friday, the typhoon is responsible for nearly 7,000 accidents, of which more than 2,300 involved fallen trees.
In Nantou, one woman died when her truck was impacted by a roadside tree; in Taipei, a male motorcyclist lost his life after he was crushed by an electric pole. In addition, 515 typhoon-related injuries have been recorded. Two Czech climbers who had gone to Taroko National Park were able to find shelter during the storm and were rescued by helicopter Friday morning, but a hunting party of four in Nantou County have yet to be found by search and rescue personnel.
The typhoon caused more than 33,600 households in Taiwan to lose water supply, while at least 843,000 households lost power. Water supply is expected to be restored by noon on Saturday, while electricity should be restored by 11 p.m. on Saturday night. Authorities estimate that all repairs will be completed by the end of the weekend.
Interior Minister and CEOC commander Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳) indicated that all units of the CEOC responded to the typhoon with care and thanked all personnel for their hard work. She also cautioned that, although the worst of the storm has now passed, an earthquake that occurred in Hualien in the midst of the storm may create further hazards in the area.
Liu said that many areas still flooded from the aftermath of the two typhoons in October. To this end, relevant units have been dispatched to strengthen melioidosis and dengue fever prevention measures, and to closely monitor river levels.