Flooding submerges tracks, halting Taiwan Railways services between Zhongzhou and Gangshan

Heavy rainfall has disrupted train services in southern Taiwan, leading to the suspension of all rail traffic between Zhongzhou and Gangshan. The flooding submerged the tracks early Wednesday morning, prompting Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) to halt operations for safety reasons. This marks a significant disruption for commuters in the Tainan and Kaohsiung regions.

The TRA has activated its Level 1 emergency response team and a southern regional response unit to address the situation. Engineering units are on-site monitoring the track conditions. The administration has stated that it will not provide bus connections for the affected routes. Additionally, a separate incident involving a pedestrian intrusion on the tracks between Yuanlin and Shetou has led to single-line, bi-directional traffic in that section.

For passengers with existing tickets, TRA has provided specific guidance. Trains on the South-Link Line will terminate at New Zuoying Station. Western Line down trains will either turn back at Changhua Station or Xinying Station. Services between Xinying and Chaoshu are suspended. Local trains heading north will stop at Gangshan Station, while those heading south will terminate at Tainan Station. Services between Tainan and Shalun will operate one train per hour.

Passengers traveling long distances south of Changhua are strongly advised to seek alternative transportation, such as the High-Speed Rail, or other available options. The "Shanshui" train service has been canceled, and affected travelers will be contacted by their travel agency for refunds. TRA has provided contact numbers and website information for further updates and assistance.