The Typhoon Koinu passed through the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung this morning, whipping up super-strong winds of 15 to 17 levels. Kenting Street was directly swept by the typhoon center, leaving the entire street in a devastating state. Not only were numerous signs and sheet metals fallen, but many stalls were overturned and washed into the sea. Vendors, looking at their severely damaged stalls, were so emotional they were at a loss for words.
They commented that the National Day four-day holiday was now ruined. Not only can they not do business, but tourists might also cancel their trips, and they don’t know who to hold accountable for the severe losses.
Although Typhoon Koinu brought no substantial rainfall as it passed through the Hengchun Peninsula in the morning, with cumulative rainfall in flat areas not breaking 100mm, it brought strong gusty winds. The maximum wind speeds recorded were 71.8 m/s (greater than level 17) in Pingtung Jiupeng, 58.6 (level 17) in Manzhou, 55.5 (level 17) in Mudan, and (level 14) in Hengchun.
The newly established Jiupeng station, located on the east coast of the Hengchun Peninsula, recorded 71.8 between 5 and 6 in the morning, which is greater than level 17, breaking the strong wind record of 52.2 (level 16) set by Typhoon Meranti in Hengchun in 2016.
in the afternoon, when the wind was slightly weaker, hundreds of vendors on Kenting Street went to check the condition of their stalls. The worst-hit saw their entire stalls washed into the sea, disappearing without a trace.
Many people’s signs were scattered by the strong wind, and the signboard of an old seafood shop hung dangerously in the air, teetering on the brink. After nightfall, almost no tourists were seen on the entire street. As the National Day four-day holiday begins on Saturday, the vendors are also worried that tourists will cancel their trips due to the impact.
Due to the severe disaster in the Hengchun area, local governments are currently mobilizing repair work.
The overall engineering capacity that can be responded to is insufficient, and it will take more days to be properly organized.
It is hoped that visitors planning to come can be understanding.
Also, since the facilities have not yet been properly repaired, please pay special attention to personal safety and do not enter blocked areas.
Kenting McDonalds logo sign damaged by typhoon as well:
Situation in this homestay on Kenting Main Street seem to be worst – its signage now dangerously hangs over the main street, where nighmartet crowds should be walking soon!
Kenting Hot Dog Stall flipped over and damaged, from a photo the area looks like adjacent to Kenting Elementary School:
Many signages are damaged:
