Taichung Swamped by Southwest Monsoon Rains
Flooding, Landslides Disrupt City, Prompting Emergency Response
Heavy downpours, fueled by a persistent southwest airflow, have inundated Taichung, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and disrupting daily life across multiple districts. Emergency services are actively managing traffic and addressing affected properties.
Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage
The city experienced continuous torrential rain from the previous night, leading to significant water accumulation on numerous roads. As of 8 a.m., Taiping District recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 286 mm. Several areas, including Wufeng, Taiping, Beitun, Dongshi, Wuqi, Dali, Xinshe, Shalu, and Shigang, reported water intrusion into 28 residences, with 19 of those properties having already been cleared with assistance.
Zhucun Road in Taiping District became impassable due to a hillside collapse that buried the roadway with soil and rocks. Authorities deployed equipment for clearing operations, while local police implemented traffic control measures.
Further disruption occurred at the Xiehe Bridge on Dongyang Road in Fengyuan District. Hillside erosion and fallen trees blocked all lanes, necessitating the dispatch of a work team to reopen the route. Fengyuan police established road closures and managed traffic flow in the vicinity.
Vehicles Submerged, Parking Lots Inundated
In Nantun District, a passenger vehicle slipped into flooded rice fields near the Tudigong Temple in Zhonghe Lane. The driver, identified as Mr. Zhan, managed to exit the vehicle safely without serious injury. Police secured the area and directed traffic.
The underground parking lot at Daliyi Republic of China in Dali District also experienced flooding early this morning. Local councilman **Li Tiansheng** of the Democratic Progressive Party stated that affected vehicle owners were being notified to contact manufacturers for repairs, and an investigation into the cause of the flooding was initiated.
Meteorological Warnings Issued
The Central Meteorological Administration has issued a special heavy rain advisory, warning of potential short-term, intense rainfall. The agency highlighted that Taichung City, Nantou County, and mountainous regions of Yunlin, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung are particularly susceptible to heavy to super-heavy downpours due to the ongoing southwest airflow.
These weather conditions are similar to the heavy rains that impacted parts of Taiwan in late July 2023, which caused significant disruptions and required extensive recovery efforts. For instance, in 2023, severe flooding in southern Taiwan led to landslides and extensive damage to agricultural land and infrastructure, underscoring the vulnerability of certain areas to intense weather events (Reuters 2023).
