Pingtung's Tingtian Rainfall Exceeds 200-Year Recurrence Interval

Tingtian Township in Pingtung County experienced unprecedented rainfall, recording 752 millimeters in 24 hours, a level that surpasses a 200-year recurrence interval. This extreme downpour was caused by the outer bands of Typhoon Mikala interacting with southwesterly winds, leading to severe flooding across southern Taiwan.

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The typhoon turned east and lingered offshore, causing Pingtung to start heavy rain. It then moved north, bringing heavy rainfall to many areas. However, the southwest wind convergence in the south did not recede, resulting in continuous heavy rainfall.

Economic Affairs Minister and Water Resources Agency Director Lin Yuan-peng accompanied Premier Cho Jung-tai on an inspection tour in Pingtung. Lin reported that Jiouru recorded an hourly rainfall extreme of 134 millimeters, corresponding to a 50-year recurrence interval, while Tingtian's 24-hour rainfall of 752 millimeters exceeded the 200-year mark. He emphasized that the heavy rain was widespread, not isolated to a single point.

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The most important thing at this stage is the plan of about 8.5 billion yuan proposed by the Pingtung County government that awaits approval, so that the entire Donggang River and Zhonglin Dapai can achieve the maximum drainage effect.

While tap water services in Pingtung have been restored, low-lying areas continue to experience flooding. The Water Resources Agency has deployed 35 mobile pumping stations and is working with the Pingtung County government to expedite drainage efforts. Lin highlighted that ongoing flood control projects, such as the fourth phase of the Zhonglin drainage system, are crucial for improving water diversion and capacity, particularly for the Donggang River.

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As long as there is a local need and the plan is effective and has direction, we will fully approve it. These are the three standards that Cho Jung-tai emphasized for the 4-year, 100 billion yuan flood control plan: 'minimum flooded area, fastest drainage time, and highest safety standards'. We will work hand in hand with the Pingtung County Government to achieve systematic flood control.

Lin stressed the importance of approving the county government's NT$8.5 billion flood control plan to enhance the drainage effectiveness of the Donggang River and Zhonglin drainage system. He assured that the agency would fully support effective and well-directed local initiatives, aligning with the government's 4-year, NT$100 billion flood control plan aimed at minimizing flooded areas, accelerating water drainage, and ensuring the highest safety standards. Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Lai Chien-hsin noted that despite prior communication with the county government, budget uncertainties have hindered some projects, urging the legislature to expedite budget reviews.

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In the ongoing flood control efforts, we had communicated with the Pingtung County Government before the heavy rain. However, we are indeed facing difficulties at this stage, such as the total budget not being passed. When planning, designing, or even conducting commissioned research, the commissioned parties dare not proceed due to unstable budgets. We hope the Legislative Yuan can review the Ministry of Economic Affairs' budget as soon as possible.