Pingtung County faces widespread flooding; officials inspect defenses and urge vigilance

Southern Pingtung County is grappling with significant flooding and road closures due to continuous heavy rainfall from a southwest monsoon and low-pressure system.

County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, accompanied by legislators and local representatives, donned rain gear to inspect flood control and water management projects in flood-prone areas like Nanzhou and Jiadong. The county declared a suspension of work and classes on Saturday due to the severe weather.

Chou emphasized the county government's ongoing efforts to enhance flood resilience across its water systems in the face of extreme weather. She highlighted the inspection of the Niupu Creek improvement project in Nanzhou, noting that subsequent phases are receiving full support from the Water Resources Agency and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The team also visited the Jidong Creek detention basin project, a crucial component for the Donggang Creek drainage system, which involves rerouting water over 4.1 kilometers and expanding the waterway with flood control roads to improve regional drainage efficiency.

In Jiadong Township, Chou addressed concerns about flood prevention facilities. She mentioned that the existing pumping station is undergoing repairs and upgrades. Furthermore, with central government approval and funding, a new, larger pumping station with a capacity of 15 cubic meters per second will be constructed next to the current one, with construction expected to begin by year-end. The Meteorological Agency forecasts the peak of the storm for Saturday and Sunday, prompting Chou to urge residents to stay indoors unless necessary and to prioritize their safety. The county government and its departments remain on high alert, accelerating flood control projects to protect the lives and property of Pingtung residents.