Taiwan's Pingtung Flooded by Torrential Rain; Residents Recall '88 Typhoon Devastation

Torrential downpours have inundated Pingtung County, Taiwan, with rainfall exceeding 500 millimeters in 24 hours in multiple locations, triggering widespread flooding and evoking memories of past natural disasters. The intensity of the rain has left residents comparing the current situation to Typhoon Morakot in 2009, with some stating that the current flooding is even more severe.

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The 88 typhoon also didn't have such a severe situation.

In Jiouru Township, rainfall reached 560.5 millimeters, a figure described by Township Mayor Lan Tsung-hsin as a record-breaking event for the area, surpassing even the rainfall during Typhoon Morakot. Local agricultural officials reported extensive crop damage, with fields submerged and roads flooded, a situation described as worse than during the 2009 typhoon.

Pingtung City also experienced significant flooding, with the Shashe River rising to critical levels. Residents captured images of the river nearing its banks, with some recalling the last time it overflowed was during Typhoon Morakot. The rapid rise in water levels has caused alarm among citizens, who are hoping for the rain to subside.

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I last saw it overflow during Typhoon Morakot.

Local authorities are actively engaged in disaster assessment and relief efforts. Township Mayor Lan Tsung-hsin has been touring affected areas to understand the extent of the damage and address the needs of the residents. The widespread flooding has submerged homes and agricultural land, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events.

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This has broken Jiouru Township's rainfall record for a hundred years.