Flash Flood at Soochow University? Taipei City Government: Water Receded Quickly After Rain Subsided

(Central News Agency, reporter Yang Shumin, Taipei 8th) Frequent heavy afternoon rains have been occurring in northern Taiwan recently. The Taipei City Hydraulic Engineering Office stated today that regarding media reports of a flash flood at Soochow University, after contacting the school, it was determined that a sudden heavy downpour caused runoff to spread across the campus; the water receded quickly as the rain diminished.

The Taipei City Disaster Prevention and Rescue Office pointed out that due to the influence of convective cloud systems causing rainfall this afternoon, the Central Weather Administration issued a heavy rain advisory for the entire Taipei City area at 2:15 PM. According to statistics, as of 4:30 PM, a total of 14 disaster reports were received, including 2 cases of fallen trees, 1 case of mudslide, and 11 cases of flooding. All situations have been resolved by various disaster prevention and rescue units.

Regarding media reports of a flash flood at Soochow University, the Taipei City Hydraulic Engineering Office explained that after contacting the Maintenance and Construction Division of Soochow University's General Affairs Office, it was determined that a sudden heavy downpour caused runoff to spread across the campus; the water receded quickly when the rain diminished. There are no reports of flooding on Zhishan Road, Sections 1 and 2, outside Soochow University. The Hydraulic Engineering Office continues to communicate with Soochow University and provides rainfall warning information to the school to facilitate disaster prevention and response.

The Hydraulic Engineering Office explained that Lane 180, Binjiang Street is located within the airport land area. Due to aviation height restrictions, the roadway terrain is relatively low-lying. After contacting the Taipei International Airport of the Civil Aeronautics Administration for emergency treatment, the flooding has receded. The Civil Aeronautics Administration has subsequent improvement plans.

The Taipei City Disaster Prevention and Rescue Office added that the rain in various districts of Taipei City has gradually subsided. The previously listed Level 1 flood warning for Zhongzheng District, and Level 2 warnings for Wanhua District, Shilin District, Neihu District, and Zhongzheng District, have all been lifted. Some flooded locations have also receded. However, due to the influence of a frontal system, brief showers may still occur in the evening. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150608