Typhoon Trami And Kong-Rey: Death Toll In Philippines Hits 139, Approaches Taiwan, China

The death toll in the Philippines from Typhoons Trami and Kong-Rey has risen to 139, authorities reported on Wednesday, October 31. Following its path through the Philippines, Typhoon Kong-Rey has now reached Taiwan and is anticipated to make landfall in China by Friday.

In the Philippines, the storms left 115 injured and 37 missing, Anadolu news agency reported. Typhoon Trami, which struck the country last week, impacted more than 7 million people, with over 300,000 still sheltering in evacuation centers. Approximately 111,000 homes were damaged as intense rain and flooding battered the islands.

Kong-Rey reached Taiwan Thursday afternoon, where authorities expect it to be one of the most powerful storms to hit in decades, bringing winds up to 126 mph. In anticipation, Taiwan has closed schools, offices, and financial markets, evacuated more than 8,000 people, and mobilized the military for relief efforts, according to The New York Times.

Taiwan is under full weather advisories, and heavy rain and strong winds are expected throughout. The storm is also forecasted to bring heavy rainfall to multiple Chinese cities, including Shanghai, as it approaches China’s coast on Friday.