Super Typhoon Conray Hits Taiwan's East Coast Hard

Super Typhoon Conray has made landfall on Taiwan's eastern coast, marking the most significant storm to impact the region in nearly 30 years. With wind gusts exceeding 250 km/h and immense rainfall anticipated, the government has enforced comprehensive shutdowns across the island. Evacuations are in full swing as communities in the storm’s trajectory brace for impact. Schools, businesses, and financial markets are closed, while thousands of flights have also been cancelled due to the severe weather conditions. Defense Ministry authorities have deployed more than 30,000 troops on standby to provide assistance as needed. Asia correspondent Rupert Wingfield Hayes reports from Taipei that the capital city is experiencing intense wind and rain, with the government taking precautionary measures to lock down the area. The storm, which spans 500 kilometers, has already brought considerable damage and poses threats of flash flooding and landslides, particularly in the mountainous regions of central Taiwan. This late-season storm has raised concerns among locals, as residents note that it is unprecedented to experience such a powerful typhoon in late October. Many citizens are reflecting on their experiences with previous storms, emphasizing the atypical timing and intensity of Conray this year.