Taiwan braces for more heavy rain as floods inundate southern cities

Southern Taiwan is grappling with severe flooding after torrential rains lashed Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. The downpours, fueled by a strengthening southwest monsoon and a tropical depression (TD22) located northeast of Taiwan, have submerged urban areas and prompted widespread class and work suspensions.

Kaohsiung and Pingtung received over 500mm and 400mm of rain respectively in the past two days, while Tainan recorded approximately 350mm. The Meteorological Agency has issued continuous heavy rain warnings, with Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung all announcing city-wide suspensions for Tuesday. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated to continue until early Tuesday morning.

Authorities are on high alert for potential disasters, with the Ministry of Agriculture issuing red alerts for 34 potential landslide streams and two large-scale collapses in Pingtung and Kaohsiung. Yellow alerts have also been issued for additional areas. Meanwhile, rescue efforts are underway in Tainan's Rende District for a man who fell into the water and is currently missing. The tropical depression TD22 is being closely monitored for potential development into a typhoon, while another typhoon, Saola, is expected to move near Taiwan's northeast coast later in the week.