Keelung braces for heavy rainfall as mayor orders disaster preparedness
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Keelung, Taiwan, is experiencing heavy rainfall, with accumulated precipitation exceeding 100 millimeters in recent days.
- Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang has ordered all city departments to prepare for potential heavy rain impacts.
- The city's disaster response center has been elevated to Level 3 alert as forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall.
Keelung City is on high alert as continuous heavy rains have saturated the region, with accumulated rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters in the past 24 hours. Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang has directed all city departments to heighten their preparedness for potential heavy rain impacts.
During a city affairs meeting held at the Disaster Response Center, Mayor Hsieh reported that Keelung received approximately 130 to 150 millimeters of rain in the last 24 hours. Forecasters predict an additional 100 millimeters or more in the next 24 hours. While the current rainfall does not meet typhoon-level disaster standards, Hsieh stressed that the potential risks associated with heavy downpours are comparable to typhoon-level threats and should not be underestimated.
In the past 24 hours, the accumulated rainfall in the Keelung area has been between 130 to 150 millimeters, and the forecast for the next 24 hours is over 100 millimeters.
The city's Disaster Response Center has been elevated to a Level 3 alert. Projections indicate that daily rainfall could exceed 100 millimeters for the next three days, potentially reaching a cumulative total of 300 millimeters. The city government is closely monitoring the situation and preparing accordingly.
The heavy rainfall is attributed to the influence of a frontal system. Although the intensity is significant, it is noted that central and southern Taiwan are experiencing even greater amounts of rain. The city administration is focused on mitigating potential risks and ensuring public safety amidst the adverse weather conditions.
The rainfall is still heavy. The situation in the central and southern regions is even more severe. Although the current rainfall situation does not meet the standards for typhoon-level disasters, the potential risks brought by heavy rain are equivalent to a typhoon-level disaster, and we cannot be careless.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.