Tainan Records Second-Highest August Rainfall in History After 21 Wet Days

Tainan endured rain on 21 days in August, with total rainfall reaching 1,372.5 millimeters, the second-highest monthly figure in the city’s recorded history.

The total, measured at Tainan station, was surpassed only by the 1,510.3 millimeters recorded in August 1994. It was also nearly three times the city’s 1991-2020 August average of 466.1 millimeters.

Southwesterly airflows, a low-pressure belt and repeated torrential rain placed heavy pressure on drainage systems in parts of the city. Between Aug. 21 and 25, rainfall reached 1,134 millimeters in Rende District, while Yongkang District recorded 503 millimeters in 24 hours, levels classified as exceptionally heavy rain.

The Water Resources Bureau coordinated pumping stations, mobile pumps and other flood-control resources. A total of 67 pumping stations operated during the month and removed about 81 million tonnes of water. Pumping between Aug. 21 and 25 accounted for roughly 92% of the monthly total, and water levels fell quickly after the rain stopped.

The bureau advised residents to use the Tainan city government’s official LINE account or the Tainan Water Information app for weather and water-level updates. Residents were also asked to clear leaves and other debris from drains and report blocked outlets to the city’s 1999 service hotline.