Taiwan's Pingtung County hit by 300mm rain, canal near breach, roads closed

Wandan Township in Pingtung County, Taiwan, experienced torrential rainfall, reaching a staggering 300 millimeters, making it the highest in the nation and pushing the Linluo drainage canal to the brink of collapse. The near-breach of the canal, which had previously failed earlier this year, caused significant alarm among residents.

County officials responded swiftly, deploying excavators and sand trucks to reinforce the canal with sandbags and repair leakage points, successfully averting a major flood. However, with the rain showing no signs of stopping, County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi urged residents to exercise caution when venturing outdoors.

The heavy downpour affected other areas of Pingtung as well, with rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters in places like Xinzhuan Elementary School in Wandan, Ximajia, Zhutian, Jiutai, Pingtung City, and Majia. Landslides in mountainous areas caused by the rain led to the precautionary closure of several roads, including sections of Pingshan Highway 31, Pingtung County Highway 106, Pingtung County Highway 146, and Majia Pingshan Road 5. Sanjimen Township declared a suspension of work and classes at noon due to the severe conditions.

Flooding also impacted transportation infrastructure. Several bridges, including the Luliao Bridge and Nanzhou Bridge on Pingtung County Highway 111 in Chaozhou Township, were closed. Additionally, 15 road sections in areas like Donggang and Xinyuan experienced severe waterlogging and were temporarily closed until the water receded.

The adverse weather also disrupted maritime travel. Ferry services between Donggang and Xiaoliuqiu were suspended due to rough seas and strong winds. The severe seasickness experienced by some passengers led to emergency medical attention, prompting the immediate halt of services, which are also expected to be canceled for the entire day tomorrow.