Transport disruptions were significant, with 57 international flights and 135 domestic flights canceled, although high-speed rail services maintained limited operations.

Reports indicated widespread damage due to uprooted trees blocking roads and falling on vehicles, complicating emergency response efforts.

In Hualien County, local officials faced challenges in responding to disaster reports due to severe wind and rain conditions.

Forecasters warned of a life-threatening storm surge of 2 to 3 meters expected in low-lying areas of Batanes and the nearby Babuyan Islands.

Power outages affected around half a million households, significantly impacting the mountainous Taitung County.

Kong-rey made landfall on October 31, 2024, in southeastern Taiwan, unleashing winds of up to 184 km/h and torrential rain, which resulted in widespread tree falls, flooding, and landslides.

As the storm approached, schools were closed and flights were canceled in affected regions, particularly around the Batanes island group, the northernmost point of the Philippines.

In response to the impending disaster, nearly 35,000 troops were placed on standby for potential relief efforts, while President Lai Ching-te urged citizens to avoid dangerous activities during the storm.

The Philippine weather agency raised alarms about potential damage, but as of Thursday evening, there were no immediate reports of casualties in the country.

Residents in Taipei prepared for the storm by stocking up on fresh vegetables, while fishermen secured their boats in Yilan County.

Environmental officials worked to prevent oil leaks from a Chinese cargo ship that ran aground on Taiwan's northern coast amid the turbulent weather.

Up to five million people may be affected by Kong-rey, which is known as 'Leon' in the Philippines, as many residents are still recovering from the recent Tropical Storm Trami.