Full Breakdown
Torrential Rain Triggers Widespread Closures and Flooding in Southern Taiwan
8/24/2026, 6:08:18 AM
Event Overview (August 24)
On August 24, torrential rain swept southern Taiwan, prompting the governments of Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, Chiayi, Taitung and Hualien to suspend work and school activities. Taiwan Railway cancelled express services on the east-coast line and warned that local trains would run only if conditions allowed. Floodwaters rose to waist-high in low-lying districts of Kaohsiung, Tainan and Pingtung, stranding vehicles and forcing the temporary closure of the northbound entrance to the Rende Interchange on National Freeway 1.
Meteorological Background
The rain resulted from a low-pressure system that lingered over southern Taiwan for several days, combined with strong southwesterly winds. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) described the situation as a broad low-pressure belt containing multiple developing lows. The agency forecast continued heavy rain through Tuesday and noted that conditions could stabilize by Wednesday, although afternoon thunderstorms were expected. A separate system, Typhoon Saudel, was projected to pass the northern part of the island early on August 28.
Impacts and Statistics
- The Kaohsiung government projected cumulative rainfall of more than 1.3 m over the five-day period, nearly half the city’s typical annual total.
- Hourly rainfall in parts of Kaohsiung reached 81 mm, with 24-hour totals exceeding 200 mm; the CWA reported 250–300 mm over the previous 24 hours across southern Taiwan.
- Evacuations included 2,203 residents from mountainous zones in Kaohsiung and 115 residents in Pingtung.
- Flooding affected 36 areas in Pingtung, prompting road closures and the precautionary shutdown of a section of Provincial Highway 24.
- A fallen tree struck a Kaohsiung Light Rail train, and a vehicle was nearly submerged in Niaosong District, though all occupants were rescued.
Official Responses and Next Steps
Local officials urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary, with Taitung County chief April Yao emphasizing the danger of travel. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai inspected flood-control infrastructure, accelerated drainage projects, and directed the deployment of pumps and mobile units to mitigate water levels. The CWA continued to issue heavy-rain advisories for eastern and southern regions and indicated that rainfall in mountainous eastern Taiwan would increase from Sunday night onward. Authorities remain on alert for the approaching Typhoon Saudel, which could bring additional precipitation to northern Taiwan later in the week.
