Hsinchu residents face traffic chaos amid heavy rain, criticize mayor's midday suspension decision

Hsinchu residents faced a chaotic day on Monday as torrential rain flooded city streets and paralyzed traffic. Many commuters and parents were caught in a two-hour traffic jam while trying to get children to school in the morning. Just as they arrived at work, often late, the city government announced a suspension of work and classes starting at noon. This led to another wave of traffic congestion as parents rushed to pick up their children.

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Hsinchu people stuck in morning rain traffic jams, then suspended work and classes at noon to rush to pick up children, only to get stuck in traffic again. Netizens criticize Mayor Kao Hung-an, what kind of operation is this?

Frustrated residents took to social media to criticize Mayor Kao Hung-an's administration. They questioned the timing of the suspension, pointing out that the rain had already caused significant disruption and that the midday announcement only exacerbated the situation. Many described the city's roads as being overloaded, with some ironically calling Hsinchu "meatball soup" due to the severe flooding.

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Is this city government trying to deliberately torment parents and working people?

Critics argued that the decision was poorly timed, especially since the rain had lessened by the afternoon when the suspension took effect. They accused the city government of making a "botched operation" that inconvenienced parents and workers. Some demanded an apology from the mayor for what they deemed a decision-making error that led to widespread public dissatisfaction.

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The city government announced work and class suspensions starting at noon. Everyone got stuck in traffic again in the city. Can Hsinchu's roads handle this? No wonder netizens sarcastically call Hsinchu city a 'meatball soup'.