Kaohsiung Records Historic Rainfall, Flood Control Systems Under Strain

Kaohsiung has been hit by record-breaking rainfall, with daily precipitation levels surpassing those of past typhoons like Morakot and Kimi. The city's robust flood control infrastructure, including 26 detention ponds, proved crucial in managing the deluge. These ponds, with an initial capacity of 5 million tons, were utilized repeatedly through pumping and drainage, ultimately storing a total of 10 million tons of water.

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This time, the maximum daily rainfall reached 567 millimeters, and the cumulative rainfall over four days exceeded 1,100 millimeters, both surpassing the rainfall records of Typhoons Morakot and Kimi.

This extensive water storage significantly alleviated flooding in several critical areas, including the Renwu, Gangshan, and Agongdian Creek basins, as well as Zihguan. Mayor Chen Chi-mai, presiding over a city council meeting, directed all relevant departments to mobilize for recovery efforts. His immediate focus is on restoring transportation, essential public services, and addressing agricultural and fishery losses.

The mayor emphasized the need for rapid repair of damaged roads and infrastructure to ensure smooth traffic flow. He also highlighted the risk of mosquito-borne diseases after heavy rains, instructing the epidemic prevention team to intensify cleaning efforts in high-risk areas such as vacant lots, vegetable gardens, ditches, markets, and construction sites. Community involvement is encouraged to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

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The city's 26 flood detention ponds functioned effectively, with an initial storage capacity of 5 million tons. Through repeated pumping and drainage, the total storage capacity reached 10 million tons, alleviating waterlogging issues in areas including Renwu, Gangshan, Agongdian Creek basin, and Zihguan.

Mayor Chen also addressed the impact on the agricultural and fishery sectors. Following a request made directly to the President during a recent inspection, the central government has pledged full cash subsidies for all agricultural and fishery products affected by the disaster. Applications for this aid will be accepted from August 25 to September 7. The city's Water Resources Bureau presented a review of post-flood improvements, including enhancing pumping station equipment, replacing old machinery, and optimizing the deployment of mobile pumps. Systemic solutions for managing runoff from mountainous areas are also being developed.

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As the water recedes, I instructed yesterday to clear the roads to maintain smooth passage, and relevant repairs have been carried out for road surface damage. Regarding roadbed damage and slope collapses, we must ensure smooth traffic flow in the shortest possible time.

With Typhoon Saola expected to approach later in the week, Mayor Chen urged the Water Resources Bureau to expedite preparations. This includes a comprehensive assessment of all disaster sites and flood control facilities that were not fully restored after the recent heavy rains. Efforts will focus on accelerating drainage, pre-positioning pumping equipment, and protecting damaged facilities. Emergency measures will be implemented for sites awaiting permanent repairs, with personnel, equipment, and supplies ready before the anticipated storm.

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After the rain, standing water can easily breed vector mosquitoes. I ask the epidemic prevention team to strengthen cleaning in high-risk areas such as vacant lots, vegetable gardens, ditches, markets, and construction sites, and ask all district offices to mobilize community neighborhoods to jointly implement source elimination.