Torrential Rain Floods Taipei Streets, MRT Station Submerged

Torrential rains have inundated parts of Taipei and New Taipei City, leading to significant flooding that has reached the covered walkways of MRT Zhongshan Station. The intense downpour, a result of vigorous afternoon convective activity, caused rapid and severe flooding across the twin cities and mountainous areas of central Taiwan on June 18.

The Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs issued flood warnings for Taipei and New Taipei City. Districts including Xinyi, Zhongzheng, Zhongshan, Wanhua, Shilin, and Da'an in Taipei, along with Yonghe in New Taipei City, were placed under a first-level alert. Second-level alerts were issued for areas like Neihu and Nangang in Taipei, and Zhonghe and Xindian in New Taipei City.

Images shared on social media platform Threads depicted streets transformed into rivers, with floodwaters extending into the arcades of businesses near MRT Zhongshan Station. One user lamented, "Really bad Taipei." The dramatic scenes prompted a flood of reactions online, with many expressing shock and concern. Some netizens humorously dubbed the situation "Chiang Wan-an's hot pot," referencing the city's mayor, and noted the unsettling sight of cockroaches scurrying onto sidewalks, apparently seeking refuge from the rising waters. Others worried about rats also emerging from the deluge.