Typhoon Koinu brings 'record' winds, torrential rains to Taiwan

A man takes a photo of the waves breaking against the protecting walls of the Fugang Fishing Harbour as Typhoon Koinu moves past the southern tip of Taiwan, in Taitung on Oct 5, 2023. - Reuters

TAITUNG, Taiwan (AFP): Typhoon Koinu grazed the southern edge of Taiwan on Thursday (Oct 5), blanketing the region in torrential rain and bringing record-breaking winds of more than 340km an hour to an outlying island.

The eastern volcanic islet of Orchid Island -- mostly home to fishermen and farmers -- saw gusts equivalent to 342.72 kilometres (212 miles) per hour overnight as Koinu moved west towards Taiwan's southern tip, according to the Central Weather Administration.