Taipei Neihu Floods: Lee Chien-tsung Says Engineering Designs Have Limits Amidst Extreme Weather

Heavy rains from the outer bands of Typhoon Mikala caused significant flooding in Taipei's Neihu district on June 25. Responding to questions about the flooding, New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Chien-tsung stated that extreme weather events, where three days' worth of rain can fall in just three hours, push engineering designs to their limits.

“

Extreme weather means three days of rain can fall in three hours. Engineering designs absolutely have their limits.

Lee, who is running for mayor of New Taipei City, explained that the hourly rainfall in Neihu reached 100.5 millimeters and persisted for three hours. He noted that Taipei City has already provided an explanation for this specific incident, acknowledging that the capacity had been exceeded beyond the original design. The city government aims to learn from this experience and implement improved flood control measures, recognizing that water management is a long-term effort, especially in the face of current extreme weather patterns.

“

Resilient cities must consider multiple factors to coexist with extreme weather.

Addressing claims that he "failed" or was "exposed" by the incident, Lee responded that natural disasters exceeding a certain threshold will always "break through." He shared that his former colleagues in Taipei City's public service have been heavily criticized due to the flooding and are concerned about future recruitment. Lee, who has faced criticism for 42 years, advised them to serve with a clear conscience and diligently fulfill their responsibilities.

“

I have been criticized for 42 years. Public servants must serve with a clear conscience and diligently shoulder their responsibilities.