Southern Taiwan Hit by Torrential Rain, 4 Dead, Over 5,900 Evacuated

Torrential rain in southern Taiwan has caused four deaths, over 5,900 evacuations, and widespread landslides and flooding. The rain, which dumped over 2.6 meters of water in just seven days, is the island's worst in a year. The government is proposing a special budget to provide relief efforts and has warned people not to venture into the mountainous regions, which are still cut off by landslides and flooding.

Torrential rain in southern Taiwan has resulted in significant disruptions, including four deaths, over 5,900 evacuations, and widespread landslides and flooding. The rain, which dumped over 2.6 meters of water in just seven days, is the island's worst in a year. The government is proposing a special budget to provide relief efforts and has warned people not to venture into the mountainous regions, which are still cut off by landslides and flooding.

According to the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), three people have died and four are missing, while 50 injuries have been reported as a result of the heavy rainfall [1]. The deaths occurred in Kaohsiung and Nantou County, with one person drowning in a flooded street. Additionally, 50 people across Taiwan have been injured, with more than 20 in Kaohsiung and about 12 in Changhua County. As of Sunday afternoon, a total of 5,795 residents had been evacuated, with 588 being housed in 36 shelters [1].

The rain, which has been described as the island's worst in a year, has caused widespread damage and disruption. The Central Weather Administration has issued advisories for extremely torrential rain in the mountainous areas of Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung, warning that the accumulated rainfall could exceed 500 mm in a 24-hour period [1].

The government is taking immediate action to address the situation. Premier Cho Jung-tai inspected the CEOC headquarters and received disaster briefings from local officials. The premier suggested that funding for relief efforts be included in a special bill proposed by the Cabinet for recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the recent disasters [1]. The Cabinet will review the bill on Thursday before sending it to the Legislature.

The rain is expected to subside from Monday, but warnings for landslides and flooding continue for the southern mountains. The government has warned people not to venture into the mountainous regions, which are still cut off by landslides and flooding. The rain has also caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture, with many roads cut off by landslides or flooding [2].

References:
[1] https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202508030015
[2] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/southern-taiwan-lashed-torrential-rain-023714800.html