Heavy rain floods Kaohsiung, Zhaoming Elementary cancels return-to-school day

Kaohsiung experienced torrential rain early on the 28th, leading to severe flooding in the Daliao District, particularly around Zhaoming Elementary School. The water levels rose significantly, prompting school officials to make an emergency decision to cancel the planned return-to-school day for students.

The school issued a notice on its official website at 6:40 AM, citing the heavy rain and the need to ensure student safety as the reasons for cancellation. Students were informed not to come to school. Local village chief Chang-chien Chu-sheng also helped disseminate the information through community channels.

School principal Liao Shih-hui reported that the heavy rain began around 4 AM, and by 6:30 AM, the roads surrounding the school were flooded. While the school grounds themselves are situated on relatively higher ground, preventing property damage or trapped individuals, the surrounding areas were significantly impacted.

“

Because it is currently raining very heavily at the school, and considering the safety of students coming to school, we are canceling the return-to-school day. Students do not need to come to school.

Chang-chien Chu-sheng arranged for water pumps to drain the rainwater from the ditches near the school. He explained that the area around Zhaoming Elementary School is low-lying and prone to flooding, with this incident being the most severe this year, reaching knee-deep in some places. Given the circumstances and the return-to-school day, cancellation was deemed the only safe option.

Images shared by residents showed roads submerged with water reaching half a tire's height and people wading through the floodwaters. The recurring flooding in the area, especially during heavy downpours, highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in managing rainwater.

“

Zhaoming Elementary School and its surrounding areas are low-lying and flood when it rains. This is the most severe flooding this year, reaching up to the knees.