Taiwan experienced one of the most powerful wind gusts ever recorded on the planet when Typhoon Koinu, a category four cyclone, made its presence felt early Thursday. The cyclone left a trail of destruction, injuring nearly 200 people and generating massive waves.
Record-Breaking Gusts
Typhoon Koinu unleashed wind gusts reaching a staggering 342.7km/h (212.9mph) as it passed over Taiwan’s Lanyu (Orchid) island on Wednesday night. This gust, as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA), is the most potent wind speed recorded in Taiwan since the CWA’s inception in 1986. The sheer force of the gust was so intense that it destroyed the island’s anemometer.
Globally, this gust ranks as the third strongest ever recorded. The top spot belongs to Western Australia’s Barrow Island, which recorded a 408km/h gust in 1996. The second place is held by a 372km/h gust from 1934 on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA.
Widespread Impact
Named “puppy” in Japanese, Typhoon Koinu made its landfall on Taiwan’s Hengchun peninsula. The aftermath saw 190 individuals injured, primarily in the western cities of Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Many of the injuries were attributed to strong winds knocking people off their scooters or from falling branches. By Thursday noon, over 62,000 homes and businesses were grappling with power outages.
The coastal regions bore the brunt of the typhoon’s fury, with waves reaching heights of up to seven meters. Numerous videos circulating online showcased extensive damage to houses and storefronts along the coast.
Precautionary Measures
In anticipation of the storm, authorities across Taiwan took preventive measures, shutting down schools and offices in many areas. However, the capital, Taipei, remained operational. Additionally, domestic flights and ferry services were either cancelled or put on hold.
This year, Typhoon Koinu is the second typhoon to hit Taiwan, following Typhoon Haikui in September, which caused landslides, prompted mass evacuations, and resulted in numerous injuries. Interestingly, despite Taiwan’s location in a tropical storm-prone zone, no typhoon had directly impacted the island for four years before these incidents.
With Typhoon Koinu’s record-breaking gusts, Taiwan has once again been reminded of nature’s unpredictable power, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such natural calamities.
Also learn about Typhoon Haikui: China Grapples with Seven Days of Torrential Rain.
