Heavy rain damages foundation of old Kaohsiung home, authorities advise against living there

A traditional courtyard home in Kaohsiung’s Yanchao District has been left empty after repeated heavy rain damaged the slope beside it and raised concerns about the building’s foundation.

The nearby Deep Water Creek rose during the recent storms, eroding the slope and causing ground and wall cracks, along with visible tilting. The Yanchao District Office received a report on August 24 and asked the local village leader to help evacuate residents. They were placed with relatives.

Kaohsiung’s Public Works Bureau inspected the property on September 1 with the district office and professional civil and geotechnical engineering groups. Engineers said the building sits at the top of the slope, so further prolonged rain could affect both the foundation and the slope’s stability.

Officials therefore advised that the building should not be occupied for now. The district office will formally notify the owner after receiving the engineers’ assessment and will continue checking on the residents’ living arrangements.

Authorities also urged nearby residents to remain alert during heavy rain. Anyone who sees widening ground cracks, obvious building tilting or further slope movement should leave immediately and notify the city government.