Heavy Rains Cancel Work and School Across Southern Taiwan
By Howard Chang/John Van Trieste
Most of southern and eastern Taiwan shut down on Monday, with school and work canceled by persistent, heavy rains. The downpours have caused widespread flooding, tested infrastructure and left businesses unable to operate.
Torrential Rains Disrupt Life Across Southern Taiwan
REPORTER:
Another day of torrential downpours across the south of Taiwan, and in the city of Kaohsiung, emergency crews are finding themselves busy.
REPORTER:
There was this tram that hit a fallen tree Sunday. Though no one was hurt.
Wang Po-yan (KAOHSIUNG METRO):
There was a minor collision with a toppled tree.
The tram made an emergency stop at a place that wasn’t an intersection.
REPORTER:
This car was stranded amid floodwaters. The three people inside managed to climb on the roof where rescuers could reach them.
Tseng Chi-chih (RENMEI POLICE STATION):
With firefighters, we helped the trapped people escape.
There were no injuries.
REPORTER:
Kaohsiung’s government has taken a very “safety first” approach, evacuating more than 2,000 people in mountainous areas where landslides present a danger.
REPORTER:
But while residents are physically safe, the disruptions to everyday life are real. The city of Tainan has seen its drainage system overwhelmed by rainfall, turning its streets into rivers.
Chiu Chung-chuan (TAINAN WATER RESOURCES BUREAU):
Tainan’s drainage ditches can only handle an hour’s rainfall.
When rainfall exceeds 50-60mm, the roads will flood.
REPORTER:
And there’s the impact on livelihoods. As the rain continues on Monday, offices and schools are closed across the south. This shopkeeper said he wanted to stay open, but the weather has made it impossible.
No name (Food Vendor):
I’ve been in business a long time.
But there's never been so much rain and wind that I can’t open.
REPORTER:
For now, all residents and shopkeepers can do is sit tight—and wait for the intense weather to pass.
