Kaohsiung Announces Work and School Suspension at Dawn; Mayor Chen Chi-mai Cites Upward Rainfall Forecasts

Kaohsiung City declared a suspension of work and classes early Wednesday following persistent heavy rainfall. Mayor Chen Chi-mai explained during the first disaster response meeting that the decision was finalized after the Central Weather Administration updated its rainfall projections late Tuesday night.

Mayor Chen noted that while initial models at 8:30 PM did not meet suspension thresholds, the 11:00 PM update indicated a high probability of localized torrential rain and 12-hour accumulated rainfall exceeding 200mm in several flatland districts. Given the extreme unpredictability of such convective rain events, the city opted to prioritize resident safety.

Key areas like Qishan, Meinong, and Dashu recorded hourly rainfall surpassing 100mm, with Dashu accumulating over 600mm—approximately one-quarter of the city's annual average—within a single day. Despite the lack of direct typhoon impact, atmospheric circulation caused significant hazardous weather.

Regarding infrastructure, Chen stated that recent flood control projects, such as the elevation of Dianshan Creek embankments and the widening of the Bagua Bridge riverbed, demonstrated measurable success in mitigating flooding risks. Currently, local water levels are receding, and the city has mobilized environmental and health departments for post-flood sanitization to prevent vector-borne diseases.

Education Bureau Director Wu Li-sen confirmed that school final exams will be postponed until at least next Monday, with specific schedules to be posted on individual school websites.