TAIPEI — Southern Taiwan is facing another punishing round of extreme weather after torrential rain inundated low-lying communities across Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung, turning roads into waterways and triggering traffic restrictions, flooding concerns and widespread emergency preparations.
The severe rainfall, driven by a broad low-pressure belt and strong southwesterly winds, intensified over the weekend, with the Central Weather Administration (CWA) warning that abundant moisture could continue to fuel heavy downpours across parts of Taiwan.
In Tainan, rain fell almost continuously from Saturday into Sunday, overwhelming drainage systems in several areas. Floodwaters in some locations rose above knee level, leaving vehicles stranded and residents scrambling to protect homes with sandbags.
The flooding also forced the temporary closure of the northbound entrance ramp at the Rende Interchange on National Freeway 1, while authorities imposed traffic controls on other affected roads and deployed pumping equipment to drain inundated areas.
🌧️ Flooding Spreads Across Southern Taiwan
The situation has not been limited to Tainan. Kaohsiung and Pingtung have also been hit by intense rainfall, with local authorities monitoring flooding, drainage systems and areas vulnerable to landslides and slope erosion.
Taiwan’s Public Television Service reported flooding in several districts and two slope collapses along Kaohsiung’s Xuefu Road, although no casualties were reported in those incidents. The report also said work and classes were suspended across Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung on Sunday as the severe weather continued.
In Kaohsiung’s Niaosong District, heavy rain increased pressure in a drainage culvert near a construction site, causing a manhole cover to lift above the road surface. Officials placed warning signs and dispatched personnel to manage traffic as a precaution.
🚨 Rainfall Already Reaching Dangerous Levels
The latest flooding comes after days of intense rain across southern Taiwan. According to weather and local media reports, some areas had already recorded extraordinary rainfall totals before Sunday’s latest downpours.
Taipei Times, citing the CWA, reported that rainfall in southern Taiwan had been exceptionally heavy, with Pingtung’s Wandan Township recording 281mm of accumulated rainfall by Saturday afternoon, while parts of Kaohsiung and Tainan also recorded more than 200mm. The weather agency warned that the most intense rainfall could persist through early Tuesday.
Taiwan’s PTS also reported that flooding had already affected Tainan’s Yongkang and Rende districts a day earlier, with railway operations temporarily disrupted after water reached track areas near Tainan.
🌊 Why Is Southern Taiwan Being Hit So Hard?
Meteorologists say Taiwan is currently under the influence of a low-pressure belt containing multiple developing weather systems, combined with strong southwesterly winds that are transporting large amounts of moisture toward the island.
The CWA has warned that the atmospheric setup is capable of producing short-duration but extremely intense rainfall — the type of weather that can overwhelm urban drainage systems within hours and rapidly cause flash flooding.
Northern Taiwan has not escaped the unstable weather either. Localized thunderstorms hit parts of the north, with Fugui Cape in New Taipei recording the highest hourly rainfall reported on Saturday at 101.5mm, according to Taiwan News’ report citing weather authorities.
⚠️ The Bigger Concern: More Rain Could Be on the Way
The immediate concern for residents is not only the flooding already seen, but the possibility of continued rainfall in already saturated areas.
Forecasters have urged people in low-lying areas to remain alert for flooding, while those in mountainous regions face additional risks from landslides, falling rocks and rapidly rising rivers.
The severe weather also comes after southern Taiwan experienced devastating rainfall earlier this summer, when heavy rains caused widespread flooding and transport disruptions. The latest episode highlights how quickly persistent tropical moisture and intense downpours can again put pressure on communities across the island’s south.
For now, authorities are continuing pumping operations, monitoring vulnerable infrastructure and urging residents to avoid flooded roads.
The rain may eventually ease — but with saturated ground, swollen drainage systems and more unstable weather in the forecast, southern Taiwan’s battle against the floods may not be over yet.
📌 What We Know So Far
- Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung have reported flooding and severe weather impacts.
- Roads and freeway access points have faced temporary closures or traffic controls.
- Emergency crews have deployed pumps and flood-control measures.
- Heavy rain has increased risks of flash flooding and slope failures.
- Weather authorities have warned that the unstable pattern could continue, particularly across southern Taiwan.
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