Taipei Mayor: Rainfall Exceeded Capacity After Viral 'Swimming Rats' Video

Taipei grappled with intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours on Tuesday evening, causing significant disruption and prompting a viral social media moment. While the city's Flood Control and Drainage Office had deployed pumps in flood-prone areas, the sheer volume of rain overwhelmed some districts.

One video circulating online depicted what appeared to be rats navigating flooded streets, humorously described by netizens as "amphibious." The footage, though not officially confirmed to be from Neihu, sparked widespread discussion. Despite the online buzz, Mayor Chiang Wan-an maintained that the city's drainage systems functioned effectively. He noted that in areas prone to flooding, water pumps were pre-positioned, and personnel were on standby.

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The rainfall in some areas exceeded our Taipei city's capacity.

Chiang explained that rainfall in certain monitoring stations, including Shilin, exceeded Taipei's capacity. He highlighted that areas like Zhongshan and Datong experienced rainfall intensity surpassing protection standards within a mere 10-minute period. However, he assured that due to the proactive measures, water levels receded quickly once the rain subsided. The city's response aimed to mitigate the impact of the extreme weather event, emphasizing preparedness and efficient water management.

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Water Resources Department had pre-positioned pumping equipment in areas prone to flooding.