Hualien County suspends work, classes Monday due to heavy rain forecast

Hualien County in Taiwan has announced a suspension of work and classes for all of Monday, August 24th, in anticipation of heavy rainfall. The decision was made late Sunday evening by the county government, following the latest forecast from the Central Weather Administration.

The weather agency predicted that southern Taiwan and the mountainous areas of the east coast would experience intense downpours due to a strengthening southwest monsoon and a low-pressure trough. The projected rainfall in Hualien County has met the threshold requiring the suspension of work and classes.

In addition to the heavy rain forecast, the county government cited several other factors in its decision. These include a yellow alert issued for the Wanli River, reports of rockfalls on the Suhua Highway and in the Fuli area, and the potential risk of a landslide at the Mata'an Stream堰塞湖 (barrier lake). These concerns prompted the government to take precautionary measures to prevent composite disasters and ensure public safety.

The Hualien County Government urged residents to take necessary precautions, emphasizing that "a little more preparation means a little less harm." The suspension aims to mitigate risks associated with severe weather and potential geological hazards.