Heavy Rains Cause Collapse at Tainan's Historic East Gate City Wall; Other Heritage Sites Damaged

Continuous heavy rainfall has severely impacted Tainan, leading to a localized collapse on the side wall of the historic Taiwan Prefecture East Gate City (Dongmen City). The Tainan City Cultural Affairs Bureau conducted a comprehensive inspection of its managed cultural venues, historic sites, and construction sites. Most venues reported issues such as water leakage, seepage, and water accumulation in low-lying areas, prompting immediate responses like water pumping, cleanup, canvas covering, and sandbag deployment.

At the East Gate City, a section of the side wall collapsed. Emergency measures involving sandbags and canvas covers were implemented, with personnel remaining on-site for monitoring. Preparations for potential preventative support on another side are underway to mitigate risks. Soil erosion due to continuous rain has also necessitated covering affected areas with canvas. The Cultural Heritage Administration dispatched personnel to assess the situation and discuss subsequent evaluations and actions.

In the Great South Gate City park, trees toppled onto the city wall, requiring ongoing attention. Inspections at Anping Fort revealed localized cracks, confirmed not to be part of the main structure, and protective canvas has been applied to prevent further water damage. The Deyigang, Anping Tree House, and Eternal Golden Castle within the Waterway Museum Park experienced severe water accumulation. Additionally, soil on the slope at Guizi Mountain in the Shuijiao She Cultural Park washed away, requiring subsequent cleanup and backfilling.

Ongoing repair work at the Tainan Cultural Center's first and second phases also faced challenges. The basement of the second phase project flooded due to an overflowing water tank, and while water has been pumped out, some plasterboard and calcium silicate board were water-damaged. The second phase construction site at Chihkan Tower also experienced flooding due to inadequate drainage during the heavy rains; water is expected to recede once the rain stops.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that due to extensive water accumulation at Deyigang, Anping Tree House, and Eternal Golden Castle, the reopening of these sites for tomorrow depends on water receding, environmental cleanup, and safety checks. However, Anping Fort, Chihkan Tower, Oyster Shell Kiln, Customs House (Riverside Cafe), Koxinga Shrine, and the Five Concubines Temple are scheduled to open normally tomorrow.